Merson Laughs at Sky Pundit’s Gyokeres Prediction Amid Newcastle Breakthrough
*James Quinlan*
*4 minutes*
Arsenal legend Paul Merson could only see the funny side as he listened to fellow Sky Sports pundit, Michael Dawson, assure that Newcastle United will be in the transfer battle for Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
Building up to the summer transfer window, it would appear Eddie Howe’s side needs a goal-scorer to complement Alexander Isak. The Magpies have been linked with several top targets, and Gyokeres is the latest to emerge as a potential signing.
Of the names speculated to end their goal-scoring woes, Gyokeres is the latest to re-emerge. Lately, it has been rumoured St James’ Park is his preferred destination – while it’s apparently agreed he can leave Sporting CP for €70-75m (£58.6-62.8m) this summer.
That said, Newcastle are not the only club out there looking to add a striker to their ranks. The position is one in-demand across the Premier League. An injury to key striker has left them light in that particular department for their upcoming fixtures.
And Dawson, speaking on Soccer Saturday, outlined his thoughts by saying: “Newcastle have been making waves in the transfer market and I believe they’ll be in the bracket of Gyokeres.
“People are talking about could he go to a bigger club? Newcastle will be in that bracket, and they will spend the money to get the players they need.”
The ex-Forest defender added: “Merse is looking at me now like I’ve said something ridiculous, I’m telling you.
“[Matheus] Cunha I’d put in that bracket. Newcastle and this owner will go out there to do everything, let me tell you. I’ve seen it hands on the way they operate.”
Throughout this the former Arsenal and England midfielder was laughing at the suggestion Newcastle could challenge bigger clubs for Sporting’s red-hot striker.
“You can have Cunha,” Merson retorted, before asking his colleague: “Where, if you’re Gyokeres… Would you go to Newcastle or a bigger club?”
Dawson was forced to admit: “Of course, you’d go to a bigger club, no doubt.
“But Newcastle are a team on the rise and they might just pull off a surprise signing.”
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