Former Liverpool and Fulham forward Ryan Babel could be set to make another return to the Premier League with Newcastle, according to reports.
Eurosport journalist Manu Lonjon has suggested that United are in talks with Galatasaray about a move for the Dutch forward this month.
Newcastle et l’Ajax ont entamé des discussions concernant Ryan Babel ( Galatasaray) .
Emre Mor devrait aussi quitter le club et rebondir ( en prêt) . En discussions actuellement avec 2 clubs en Premiership.— Manu (@ManuLonjon) January 7, 2020
Allegedly, Eredivisie champions Ajax are also interested in signing the 33-year-old, who has scored five goals in 15 appearances in the Super Lig so far this season.
With the Magpies having some noticeable issues in front of goal this campaign, they are now looking to bolster their attacking options and shift some pressure off Joelinton, who is having some serious problems with his form.
So far this season only Watford and Crystal Palace have scored fewer goals than them in the league. With just 20 goals coming from their 21 matches, and only one coming from a striker in Joelinton, the need for a more potent striker to lead the line is pretty obvious.
However, is Ryan Babel that? He has rarely been prolific in his career, but his goal record in his later years has been more impressive, and he could prove to be another strong option who has the ability to also play on the wing.
Would you take Ryan Babel at Newcastle?
Only if we don't sign another forward
No thanks
Yes please
Last season in the Premier League he proved that he could still score goals at this level and be a useful threat. In his 16 games for Fulham, he managed to score five and also add four assists, so if he can replicate nine goals contributions within that time frame for the Toon then they would be more than happy to snap him up.
If United are unable to sign some of the larger names they have been linked with – such as Krzysztof Piatek, Olivier Giroud or Michy Batshuayi – then Babel could represent a sensible option on a short-term basis. He would certainly add more depth, though ultimately they could do with someone with a better record in front of goal.