Bookies have Newcastle leading the race for Premier League winger

Newcastle United are expected to make some moves this summer, but will this be one of them?

Newcastle United fans were hoping to see the takeover of their club get the green light from the Premier League, but that dream came to an end on Thursday afternoon. With the buying party withdrawing their bid, it is a story of what could have been on Tyneside.

The Magpies were linked to several notable players from Europe’s top leagues, but the list of transfer targets is starting to become, what most people would call, realistic. Mike Ashley informed Steve Bruce that his transfer budget for this summer transfer window will be £35m.

As a result of this limited budget, the scouting department, along with Bruce, will need to invest every cent wisely. The Magpies desperately need to add another striker, winger and left-back to the squad in order to remain competitive next season.

It remains to be seen how Newcastle United will allocate their funds for each position, as well as how they navigate the loan market, but bookies in England are confident that Bruce will have an intriguing winger at his disposal next season.

According to a recent report, St. James’ Park is seen as the most probable destination for Liverpool outcast Xherdan Shaqiri. Bookies have Newcastle United’s odds of securing the Swiss international’s services at 3/1, despite the club not being heavily linked with the talented winger.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce have been linked with Shaqiri in recent weeks, and he could become a top earner for the club based in Istanbul, but joining Newcastle United would certainly be a smart move for both parties.

The Magpies need a dynamic winger who can attract the attention of defenders away from Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron, and score a decent number of goals each season as well.

In his five seasons in the Premier League with Stoke City (2015-17) and Liverpool, Shaqiri has found the back of the net 22 times and provided 18 assists. Newcastle United could use a talented veteran on the wing opposite of Saint-Maximin to improve the offensive efficiency on the front line.

As mentioned earlier, Newcastle United have only been linked with Shaqiri once this season, but it would be beneficial for both parties if the bookies’ prediction comes to fruition. Newcastle United need more creativity and goals, and Shaqiri is looking to play as a starter in a top league.