Report: Panathinaikos eyeing shock move for Newcastle winger

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Greek outlet SDNA claim Panathinaikos are considering a shock move for Newcastle United youngster Cal Roberts ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rafa Benitez declared himself “disappointed” (Chronicle Live) after Roberts – along with Elias Sorensen (Blackpool) and Jamie Sterry (Crewe) – were recalled last month after failing to impress out on loan.

Roberts, 21, was a somewhat surprising choice to go out on loan given he made his second ever Newcastle appearance this season – scoring against Blackburn in an FA Cup clash.

However, Roberts’ contract at Newcastle expires in just a matter of months with no indication from Benitez that he wants to extend the England Under-20 international’s current deal.

That has led to Panathinaikos becoming interested, as per the report. Roberts is one of two summer targets for Panathinaikos, along with Asteras Tripolis winger Kosmas Tsilianidis.

TBR’s view

Newcastle do have plenty of options out wide so losing Roberts is not an enormous blow. The likes of Ayoze Perez. Kenedy, Miguel Almiron and Christian Atsu have impressed. Jacob Murphy is on loan at West Brom.

But Roberts is showing promise and potential, and he showed that by scoring against Blackburn. He has nine goals and six assists in 13 Premier League 2 appearances.

Newcastle should offer Roberts a new deal before letting him leave.