Can Newcastle United complete a loan deal for Swansea’s Modou Barrow?

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Newcastle United have been left frustrated this month as they have yet to make a signing, despite pursuing numerous targets. Tom Cairney, Tom Cleverley, Fabian Delph and Andros Townsend have all been mentioned, but they have failed to bring any of them in for a variety of reasons. The latest name to be mentioned is Modou Barrow, with the Chronicle reporting that a loan bid has been launched for the Swansea City winger. He has featured 18 times in the Premier League this season, but he hasn’t played in 2017 and could be moved on by Paul Clement.

What would he bring to Newcastle United?

Rafa Benitez would ideally want to bring in another winger this month after an injury to Rolando Aarons during the early stages of the season left the options available to him somewhat depleted. Modou Barrow is capable of playing on either flank and his experience in the Premier League should allow him to transition nicely in the Championship. This season, his end product hasn’t been great, as he has yet to score and contributed only two assists. However, he has been playing in a struggling side and that hasn’t helped his cause.

The 24-year-old is an exciting player to watch as he looks to beat opposition players using his pace and quick feet. He will add dynamism to Newcastle’s attack as it can be predictable at times. Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran don’t often look to beat defenders, preferring to use their movement off-the-ball to find space in the attacking half. Christian Atsu is another option in the squad who is similar to Barrow. If Barrow joins, they will have four wingers in the squad, with two different profiles, providing the depth that Benitez wants.

How likely is it?

Newcastle supporters can be forgiven for having doubts about any possible deal that the club are trying to put together, as they have failed to complete any that they have attempted to date in this window. However, Benitez clearly wants to bring in reinforcements this month and the Spaniard normally gets what he wants. The problem with this window has been that Newcastle have been quoted ridiculous prices for the players that they would like to bring in on a permanent basis, while loan deals often happen later in the window after the selling club complete their incoming transfers.

This one does seem like a deal that has potential, but it is only at its early stages. There is other interest from Aston Villa and that will complicate things for Newcastle. The Premier League club has been linked with Jordan Ayew and they may try to use Barrow in a deal to bring the Ghanaian to South Wales. Benitez isn’t afraid to see who is on offer and won’t be worried about bringing in a player that hasn’t been extensively scouted by the club. It is obvious that Barrow isn’t his first choice, but neither was Daryl Murphy during the summer and he has played a vital role for the club recently. This is definitely one to keep an eye on.

6/10 – There is interest, but there is a long way to go to complete this deal.