Championship and Premier League football are two different kettle of fish, and Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez knows this.
With 46 games in a season plus cup games, England’s second tier is a marathon, with squad rotation essential, and depth needed aplenty.
The top-tier, however, is more about having quality throughout the entire squad, and owning players capable of covering a few positions quite comfortably, which is why Newcastle being interested in Malaga’s Sandro doesn’t come as a surprise, with both Estadio Deportivo and AS in Spain listing the Geordies in their list of suitors.
His ability to play anywhere across the front three is something most Premier League sides could do with, and that is why Newcastle, just promoted from the Championship are also mentioned.
The fact that Rafa Benitez is currently in charge at St James’ Park probably has something to do with it, and so will the knowledge that a first-team spot at Newcastle is far more likely than most other top-tier sides.
Well-versed in Premier League football, the Spaniard knows exactly what will need to be done in order to avoid another relegation from the top-tier, and a player like Sandro would be a good start.
Considering Sandro has a release clause of around €6m in his contract with Malaga, the 21-year-old automatically becomes an affordable target for Newcastle, and a pocket change transaction for the likes of Everton and Tottenham, who are also keen on the Spain U21 international.
We’re expecting a lot more to emerge from this in the coming days and weeks, especially with all three clubs having very little to play for in the coming weeks.
