Are Newcastle About to ‘Smash Their Transfer Record’ for this Hotshot?
Newcastle United are reportedly set to 'smash their transfer record' for West Bromwich Albion and England U21 striker Saido Berahino - That's according to a certain number of reports anyway.
In the past two days, a number of English news outlets, namely the Chronicle, the Metro and the Express have reported that Newcastle United are set to make a £20m offer for Saido Berahino and blast their way in front in the race for the mercurial youngster.
The 21-year old, originally from Burundi, burst onto the scene last year scoring 20 goals for the Midlands club. He’s also scored 10 goals in 11 games at U21 level for the national team.
Berahino has been linked with a move away from the Hawthorns since midway through last season where he was rumoured to be a target for Tottenham Hotspurs. The North London club continue to be the favourites for the striker and at the time of writing this are 4/11 with Sky Bet to land the striker, but according to the above mentioned publications that could change very quickly. Newcastle United, who are on a bit of a spending spree this summer are reportedly very interested in Berahino – Enough so to break their own transfer record of £16m in the process.
The Magpies have already landed Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Chancel Mbemba this summer, and are reportedly looking to bring in at least one more signing. Now, Charlie Austin is the most likely target and is still odds-on to join the Tyneside club but the club are reportedly haggling over the £15m fee demanded be QPR. This in itself should be enough to make you question whether we’d be willing to part with £20m for Berahino.
Most Newcastle United fans will tell you that we need a centre back before anyone else, but lets play devils advocate and say that our next signing will indeed be a striker. Who do you go for?
On one hand you have Charlie Austin – 26-years old, a proper old fashioned English centre forward, he’s guaranteed goals at every level he’s played at up until this point in his career, and he’ll bully opposition defenders whilst doing it. I’ve even heard some Newcastle fans claiming he’s the heir to Shearer – Lets calm down lads, please.
On the other hand you have Saido Berahino, 21-years old, just starting out in his career, has already burst onto the scene, has scored goals at the same level as Austin, and has arguably the better pedigree given his performances at the national level through the youth ranks.
When you look at Newcastle’s current crop of players going forward, Berahino would certainly make a welcomed addition. A front line of Ayoze, Mitrovic and Berahino would be thrill-a-minute. Add to that the raw talent of Aarons and the juices start to flow.
Providing that the club would be willing to part with the money for either player, who would you rather have? Charlie Austin or Saido Berahino? Let us know in our poll!
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-Liam
The Spectator's View 
Whats the hurry for Austin and Leroy Fer when QPR are paying the over £50,000 @week wages, leaing it late is a bonus for smooth Mike Cashley. Sports Direct but cash is late and indirect.
Newcastle couldn’t even beat lower-league teams in pre-season friendlies. I’d be astonished if he went to an outfit that would do no better or worse than West Brom would, so, if he had to go, it’d be much better for him to join a genuine big club that guarantees something tangible in reward, like trophies or honours, than Newcastle’s never-ending battle to remain above-average. Berahino could also avoid the overrated set-up called Spurs, whose annual role now seems to be getting knocked out of the Europa League by FC Bibblekloot.
What Berahino really needs is another season at WBA to hone his strengths and skills before being inevitably sold to those clubs who genuinely could offer him something that would further his career, rather than those who offer a big pay packet but couldn’t win a raffle.
Mings is Bournemouth’s fifth summer signing after goalkeepers Artur Boruc and Adam Federici, on-loan Chelsea winger Christian Atsu and Blackburn forward Josh King. Former Everton defender Sylvain Distin is scheduled to undergo a medical today before completing a free transfer to Dean Court.