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According to Tuttomercatoweb, Claudio Ranieri is keen to bring his countryman Antonio Candreva to Craven Cottage in January, but Newcastle should make sure he makes a Tyneside transfer instead.
What’s the word?
Well, reports suggest that Fulham are planning a swoop for Candreva in January to increase their attacking options as they attempt to climb from the foot of the table.
The 31-year-old only signed a new deal with the Nerazzurri in the summer but has become a bit-part player at the San Siro – he has played only 362 minutes of football this season.
Matteo Politano’s form has seen the number 87 lose his place in the line-up and, as both club and player have appeared to come to a compromise, it is believed that he will be available for loan in January with a possible option to buy.
Rafa Benitez is used to making shrewd signings as Mike Ashley’s financial backing has largely remained minimal, but this is a move that the Spaniard should be making regardless of the funds he is given as we enter the New Year.
A striker’s dream
The former Lazio man has a wand of a right foot and is adept at coming inside to have a powerful pop at goal or play a pinpoint cross into the box, the latter of which will be music to the ears of Salomon Rondon – the big Venezuelan is one of the best target men in the league and his brace against Bournemouth earlier in November showed what he is capable of when given a decent delivery.
Benitez has found success playing with three-at-the-back against Burnely and Candreva could offer a more technical alternative to DeAndre Yedlin at wing-back as, having spent his entire career in Italy where defensive work-rate is more of a necessity than an option, his tireless tracking would enable him to play that role to great effect while offering more in the final third than the speedy American.
A loan deal would make sense for all parties and, as he is valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt, the midfielder would possibly be a bargain buy in the summer if his six month spell at St James’ Park is a success.