Newcastle wanted to sign ‘unique’ £150k-a-week star at St James’ Park – GiveMeSport

Newcastle United looked at signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek last month, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Jones says the Magpies wanted the 27-year-old on loan, but he remained at Stamford Bridge in the end.

Newcastle transfer news – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Jones informed GMS on deadline day that Newcastle targeted Loftus-Cheek but his wages were a problem for the Tyneside club.

According to Salary Sport, the England international is currently earning £150,000 a week in west London.

A move to St James’ Park would have perhaps benefited him, with competition for a midfield spot at Chelsea about to get even more fierce.

The Blues recently completed the signing of Enzo Fernandez, who is a guaranteed starter after his record move to Stamford Bridge.

What has Dean Jones said about Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Newcastle?

Jones says Loftus-Cheek was on Newcastle’s radar in the January transfer window as Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth tried to bring in a new midfielder.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: “I think Loftus-Cheek kind of came into the equation – Newcastle looked at it. They were hoping he might become available for loan and that just didn’t really happen.”

Read more: FA Cup 2022/23: Dates, Fifth Round Fixtures, How to Watch, Results and Everything You Need To Know

What would Ruben Loftus-Cheek have brought to St James’ Park?

Loftus-Cheek’s biggest strength is undoubtedly carrying the ball. According to WhoScored, he completed 1.8 dribbles per league game last season, which was the highest average in Chelsea’s squad.

The Blues star has been described as “unique” by one journalist, Pete Sharland, because of his technical ability and physicality.

If Howe was looking for someone who could drive through midfield with the ball and bring a presence to the middle of the park, then Loftus-Cheek would have been a great addition to his squad.

What year were Newcastle United founded?

1892


1896


1900


1904

His injury record is a bit of a concern, while his wages are also quite high. But if you are just focusing on what Loftus-Cheek does on the pitch, then the above still stands.

Newcastle missing out on the Chelsea academy graduate is not the end of the world, though. They are still flying in the Premier League and are into the Carabao Cup final, so Howe has a capable squad.

In fact, with the addition of Anthony Gordon, it has arguably become even stronger.

Newcastle fans will now be hoping to see the team’s current crop of players win some silverware and qualify for next season’s Champions League. So while Loftus-Cheek probably would have been a good signing, the Magpies are unlikely to dwell on missing out on him.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.

News Now – Sport News