Newcastle United reportedly in race to sign 29-year-old free agent with 98 Bundesliga goals this summer
There's no doubt that Newcastle United are going to be busy in the summer, as there's a strong need for a rebuild of sorts after a very indifferent season.
It's probably still too early to write this season off, but whatever happens between now and May, it's not going to live long in the memory, unless, of course, we win the Champions League.
The players Eddie Howe brought in last summer to take us to the next level haven't done that as yet, and the lack of transfer activity in January obviously didn't help matters, so it stands to reason that we have to do a fair bit of business in the summer, both incoming and outgoing.
We thought last year was going to be transformative when we signed six players. This summer, we're going to have to do something even more radical.
Newcastle can't afford to be too picky about players' ages this summer
For us, this means not being too fussy when it comes to the players we're bringing in. If a player has the talent and the right play style to fit in at Newcastle, then their age shouldn't matter. Not this year.
That's why we are quite excited to see that Newcastle are reportedly one of a few Premier League clubs hoping ot entice Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt to England.
Brandt and Dortmund have failed to reach an agreement on a new contract, and TEAMtalk reports that the German international has his eyes set on a move to the Premier League this summer.
Julian Brandt would be an amazing signing for Newcastle United
The 29-year-old is bringing the curtain down on a very successful seven-year spell at Dortmund and looks to be looking for a new challenge away from the Bundesliga after scoring 98 goals in his career in the German top flight.
Aston Villa are also keen on Brandt, and we're sure they won't be the only Premier League side on high alert after the news that his contract talks with Dortmund have fizzled out.
This is definitely the kind of player Newcastle should be looking at bringing in if they can. Bags of experience, having played in a Champions League final and lifted silverware with Dortmund. His wages may be high, but that's to be expected with a free transfer. Let's hope there's some truth to this one.
