Hull City winger Jarrod Bowen has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, as per reports.
The Magpies, however, are unwilling to pay Hull City’s asking price of £20 million for the player, it has been claimed by the Hull Daily Mail.
Bowen plundered 22 goals in the Championship last season, and the Tigers will only sell him for a club-record fee.
Although Bowen would be a good signing for Newcastle, it has to be noted that the manager has many areas to address this summer, so spending that fee on a player who has impressed only in the Championship might not be the smartest of moves.
Instead of splashing £20 million on a single player, here are three players on whom Bruce should look to invest in the coming days.
James McCarthy
The Geordies are already interested in Everton midfielder James McCarthy, and are willing to fork out £5 million to sign him, according to The Sun.
McCarthy is a workhorse in the middle of the park, and is pretty much a tried and tested Premier League player, so he would be a risk-free signing.
The 28-year-old is a versatile and technically gifted player, and considering he is likely to angle for a move due to the lack of playing time, the Magpies should move in for him.
Fabricio Bustos
Relatively unknown in Europe, Fabricio Bustos currently plays for Argentine outfit Club Atletico Independiente, and is valued at €12.5 million by Transfermarkt.
An all-action player with a pace to burn, Bustos is a brilliant dribbler who is not only dangerous while going forward, but is also a solid defender.
He is a tough tackler and his positioning sense is exemplary. The 23-year-old can also operate as a right-back as well as a winger and his versatility could prove to be handy.
Emil Krafth
Amiens right-back Emil Krafth has been linked with the Magpies, and the Sun have stated that Bruce’s side is willing to pay £1 million to sign him this summer.
Krafth made 35 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, mustering 1.6 tackles and 2.3 clearances per game on an average in the process, so he would add a bit more stability to the defence.
The French side, however, are asking for double of Newcastle United’s current offer. Considering the overall fee won’t be that steep, the Magpies should spend the money to sign him up.
