With the Premier League awash with money, it seems that not much of it is heading towards a transfer fund for Rafael Benitez to bolster the Newcastle United squad.
Instead, it looks as if the Spaniard, who has done a remarkable job at the club, his having to raise funds to be able to bring in new players whilst also reducing the wage bill at the club.
According to the tabloid publication, the Mirror, Newcastle are looking to shed several players and our source refers to the likes of Chancel Mbemba, Mikel Merino and Dwight Gayle as possible, or probable, departures.
The first in that list, 23-year-old Mbemba, looks to be on his way already, with our aforementioned source reporting that the defender has agreed a four-year deal with Porto, worth £8 million.
In moving to Porto, Mbemba will have the added bonus of playing Champions League football next season, something we can only dream of.
Continuing, Merino is, according to our source, considering a move to Real Betis whilst, we’d imagine that Gayle wouldn’t be short of suitors, particularly clubs participating in the Championship.
This summer, we had hoped that the transfer activity at St James Park would be of a more positive nature. Instead, it looks as if the club has to hold a fire sale first to get things financially straight.
A sign of the times when the club has been put up for sale and a buyer has yet to be found.