Newcastle now looking to sign England international after Dan Ashworth failed

Dan Ashworth played a pivotal role in Newcastle United’s recruitment strategy, bringing in several high-profile signings that strengthened the squad. His tenure saw the arrival of key players, most notably Alexander Isak, whose £63 million transfer remains the club’s most expensive acquisition.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure and the fallout from his potential move to Manchester United, Ashworth was well-regarded at St James’ Park. His ability to identify and secure top talent left a lasting impact on Newcastle’s squad, but his tenure was also marked by missed opportunities, with certain transfer targets slipping through the club’s grasp.

One notable player Newcastle failed to sign under Ashworth’s watch was Adam Wharton. The highly-rated midfielder was on the club’s radar during his time at Blackburn Rovers, with Newcastle scouts tracking his progress closely.

However, instead of securing a deal, they allowed the opportunity to pass, and Wharton ultimately joined Crystal Palace for £22 million. His immediate success at Selhurst Park only amplified the sense of regret within the Newcastle camp, as the young midfielder showcased his ability to thrive at the Premier League level.

Now, with the summer transfer window approaching, Newcastle has an opportunity to correct that mistake. Reports indicate that the club’s recruitment team is closely monitoring Wharton once again, assessing the possibility of making a move to bring him to St James’ Park.

However, competition will be fierce, as Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also expressed interest in securing his signature. With Palace keen to retain their prized midfielder, Newcastle will face a significant challenge in convincing them to part ways with one of their standout performers.

Wharton’s potential arrival at Newcastle raises questions about where he would fit into Eddie Howe’s current setup. The club already boasts a formidable midfield, with Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali providing quality and stability in the center of the pitch.

Additionally, Lewis Miley has emerged as a rising star, further solidifying Newcastle’s depth in midfield. Given Wharton’s preferred deep-lying role, his integration into the squad would likely depend on whether one of Newcastle’s existing midfielders departs.

As of now, there are no indications that the club plans to offload any of its key players, even if they fail to secure Champions League qualification.

The financial aspect of a potential transfer also presents a significant hurdle. Last summer, reports suggested that Crystal Palace valued Wharton at £60 million, a figure that would demand a substantial portion of Newcastle’s transfer budget.

With financial constraints already limiting the club’s spending power, committing such a large sum to a single player would require careful consideration. While Wharton’s talent and potential justify a high price tag, Newcastle must weigh the cost against their broader squad-building strategy.

Strengthening multiple positions may take precedence over a single marquee signing, particularly when the squad already possesses depth in midfield.

Newcastle’s approach in the upcoming transfer window will hinge on several factors, including their final league position and potential player departures.

If an opportunity arises to secure Wharton at a reasonable price, the club may be tempted to act. However, competing with Tottenham and Aston Villa, both of whom are in strong financial positions, could complicate negotiations.

Palace’s reluctance to sell further adds to the challenge, making it clear that any deal for Wharton will require persistence and strategic planning.

Despite these obstacles, Newcastle remains committed to strengthening the squad and addressing areas that need reinforcement. While Wharton’s addition would enhance the midfield, the club must carefully evaluate whether the investment aligns with their long-term objectives.

The upcoming months will be crucial in determining Newcastle’s transfer priorities, and whether they opt to reignite their pursuit of Wharton or explore alternative targets remains to be seen.

If they do decide to move for the talented midfielder, they will need to navigate a competitive market and convince both Palace and the player that St James’ Park is the ideal destination for his continued development.