Newcastle want ‘phenomenal’ 27-year-old attacker on free transfer – report

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The new Newcastle United owners have a busy January transfer window ahead of them.

The Magpies boast huge financial muscle following the long-awaited PIF takeover.

However, Newcastle remain deep in relegation trouble, sitting 19th in the Premier League table.

Crucially, Eddie Howe’s charges finally got their first league win of the season last week.

Newcastle ran out 1-0 winners over Burnley at St James’ Park.

That said, the Magpies coaches and players still have a lot to do.

But with the January transfer window on the horizon, Newcastle could soon bring in reinforcements.

Newcastle could certainly do with a bit more defensive steel as well as a more incisive attack.

And one player now being linked with the Magpies would certainly bolster both of these areas.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are vying with Southampton over Albert Rusnak.

The Slovakia international currently plays for MLS side Real Salt Lake.

However, Rusnak’s contract expires at the end of December, and he’s reportedly open to a Premier League return.

The attacking midfielder – who can also play further up on the flanks – came through the ranks at Manchester City.

Rusnak had loan spells at Oldham, Birmingham and Cambuur before leaving the Etihad for Dutch club Groningen in 2014.

In 2017, he swapped the Netherlands for the MLS and has been sensational for Real Salt Lake.

“He’s doing a 60-yard sprint back”

Rusnak has earned plenty of plaudits from coaches and peers.

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira lauded the 34-cap ace back in 2018.

“When he was at City we saw that talent,” the former New York City FC manager and Manchester City coach told MLS Soccer.

“He was ready to play ‘man’s football’ when he was 17, 18 years old.

“(He is one of the) best number tens in the league.”

And former RSL boss Mike Petke elaborated on Rusnak’s traits and credentials.

“The thing that struck me with Albert was his phenomenal attitude, an incredible ability with the ball and his vision as a setup man,” Petke told Goal.com in 2017.

“I’ll be honest with you, one of the biggest things that maybe goes unnoticed is his defensive ability,”

“I can remember off the top of my head 10-12 times since I took over that the ball’s turned over and he’s doing a 60-yard sprint back and slowing up the play.

“That’s very unselfish and also very uncharacteristic of No. 10s in this league.”