John McAtee (Getty Images)
According to Grimsby Live (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in Scunthorpe United’s John McAtee.
The report also suggests that the Magpies scouts were present to watch McAtee in action against Cheltenham in a League Two game.
McAtee, 20, came through the ranks of Burnley and Shrewsbury Town’s youth system and was sent on several loan spells before joining Scunthorpe United last summer. He could not manage to make it for more than 3 games with Shrewsbury but since his move Glanford Park, he has done a decent job.
He was initially used as a late substitute in several of Scunthorpe’s games and only in the last four games, he was able to perform well. He has been impressive in recent weeks for the club and also scored the winning goal against Cheltenham earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have endured a mixed season and are currently 12th in the league table after back-to-back draws against Everton and Norwich City. Despite making some important signings last summer, Steve Bruce’s men have been inconsistent.
Their attacking unit has not risen to the occasion far as they had expected summer recruit Joelinton to bolster their attack. The Brazilian has scored just one goal throughout the league campaign and has not been able to replicate the form he showed last season with Hoffenheim.
Other strikers like Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle have been troubled with injuries and haven’t been available every time. They have not made any difference to the attack and the manager needs to get a youngster to support the Brazilian up front. Hence, an interest in John McAtee is logical.
At St. James’ Park, Carroll and Gayle do not seem to be contributing to the cause and this would be the right opportunity for Bruce to bring in fresh faces to the team. And McAtee should be signed to replace the old guns.
Newcastle need a fresh face in the attack and a youngster like McAtee would be a good option as his age puts him in a position to offer more in the future too.
With former Liverpool man Carroll’s contract coming to an end, it remains to be seen if it would be extended. Therefore, McAtee should be signed in the summer. He could be a backup for Joelinton and step in whenever needed.
