Newcastle again linked to 'unplayable' World Cup finalist after summer move didn't materialise

Newcastle United are making preparations for the summer transfer window and we expect the club to be very active in the market this year.

This season saw a noticeable drop-off after the highs of last season, some tail-off was expected, especially given the general feeling that Newcastle overachieved last season, but things could maybe be seen as having gone worse than expected.

The Magpies failed to get out of the Champions League group stages thanks to being drawn in the 'group of death', their Carabao Cup run got cut short after being put against three of the "big six" in a row, and the FA Cup dream recently ended at the quarter-final stage thanks to a string of away draws culminating in a trip to the Etihad Stadium which saw our march come to an end.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are falling behind in the race for the European spots in the Premier League. Compared to last season, this one has been a disaster.

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Newcastle need to build up their squad this summer

There have of course been mitigating factors, the unkind cup draws being a big part of things, but to be the best you've got to beat the best so we can't cry too much about that.

However, the injuries we have picked up this season have been crippling, pun not intended. Of course, every club has their injuries, but Newcastle have had weeks were 14 first-team players were unavailable, which is absolute madness.

It's therefore imperative that Newcastle build up the strength of their squad this summer so that we don't have a repeat of this situation. A change in training and treatment methods probably wouldn't go amiss either, but this is about transfers.

Adrien Rabiot is back on the menu at Newcastle but the Magpies will face stiff competition

One player Newcastle seem to be linked with in every window since the PIF took over is France international Adrien Rabiot who looked to be on his way out of Juventus in the summer but eventually opted to stay for another year.

That year is up at the end of the season and Tutto Juve (via Sport Witness) are claiming that Newcastle will be back for the World Cup finalist who has been deemed as 'unplayable' by David Luiz.

Newcastle would face competition from Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona among others if they were to try and tempt the Frenchman into a move when his Juventus contract expires in three months, but the 28-year-old hasn't thought that far ahead as yet.

“I haven’t decided personally on my future. It’s true that last year I stayed at Juventus knowing I wouldn’t play in Europe. It was an important choice from me. Next year, we should be playing the Champions League and take part in the Club World Cup. These are things that will be considered, but I really haven’t made a decision on that.

“I’m waiting to finish the season and then we’ll talk with the club and I’ll see then. For now, I’m trying to stay focused, to come back from my little niggle, to finish well and to prepare for the Euros well. I’m not in a rush to take a decision. I am going to think a lot because I’m arriving at an important age in my career. I feel good. I’m at my peak and it will be important to make the right choice.”