It's two months form the end of the season and teams are already looking to strengthen ahead of next season in the top flight. Next season is crucial for mid-table teams as they could be dragged into the relegation battle for next season, as three strong sides will be promoting from the Championship, with hefty transfer budgets. Under Mike Ashley, it is likely that the Magpies will be 'wheeling and dealing' with at least six players expected to leave St. James' this summer. With players leaving, that always means players arriving on Tyneside. So, welcome to Summer Scouting, where I have picked out one summer target for the Toon Army. And here is number one:
Kemar Roofe-
This Leeds United striker would be perfect for Rafa's playstyle. He has scored 14 goals and assisted twice in just 26 Championship appearances. Roofe is a quick, agile centre-forward who, with training, could become perfect for Newcastle's power-defensive, counter-attacking strategy, as he could prove a perfect support striker to Salomon Rondon, if the Venezuelan is to stay on Tyneside this summer.
Roofe could arrive on the cheap, as Leeds United are almost certain to be promoting this season, and there is no doubt that Marcelo Bielsa will be looking to sign a new player to play alongside in-form Patrick Bamford, in a bid for survival next season. Roofe is currently valued at £4.5 million by transfermarkt.com, and even though Leeds will charge more than that, we can probably guarantee that Roofe will cost us less than £10 million, a bargain for a very good player.
With both Rolando Aarons and Jacob Murphy set to leave this summer, Benitez will be looking to strengthen in those positions alongside/ In behind the striker in this Newcastle United team. Kemar Roofe's pace would be outstanding on the counter-attack for the Magpies and could prove a vital impact player off the bench. On top of this, Roofe would be able to step up in place of the Number 9 in the Newcastle side, as his finishing ability is superb and he would be able to bury chances created by the team, something which hasn't been difficult for Benitez's side, the only issue is finishing those chances, of which Roofe would be able to help out with quite well.
That's all for this week's instalment of Summer Scouting, hope you enjoyed it.