Newcastle in the frame for one of football’s biggest cult stars
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Nicklas Bendtner and Wolfsburg aren’t on the best of terms. The Danish striker has reported back from the Bundesliga’s winter break in less-than-peak physical condition and has been ordered to complete extracurricular laps in order to regain his fitness.
The former Arsenal man hasn’t featured for the Wolves in a league game since early November. The doughy shape he has returned to the club in seemingly hasn’t helped his already slim chances of first-team inclusion.
As a result, transfer gossip mongers have been quick to link the Lord with a move away from Germany. According to Bild, Newcastle are one potential landing spot for the 27-year-old, with Wolfsburg eager to rid themselves of the enigmatic frontman.
Bendtner has managed just three league goals for his current employers in 28 appearances since signing permanently in 2014, so it’s easy to see why the Volkswagen Arena outfit are open to a sale.
However, with the Magpies languishing in 18th in the Premier League, Steve McClaren is keen to dip into the transfer market for new recruits this January and could bolster his attacking options with a deal for the Dane.
The striker’s record in England’s top flight is better than his German exploits, although topping those efforts isn’t difficult. Bendtner has 32 Premier League goals to his name from 136 appearances and would rival Papiss Cisse, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez for a starting spot up top.
McClaren has contacts at Wolfsburg from his brief 24-game stint as their head coach between 2010 and 2011 and may see a loan deal for the one-time Gunner as the ideal scenario.
The former England manager has already brought Henri Saivet to St James’ Park this winter and has been linked with a host of other targets, including Swansea’s Jonjo Shelvey, West Brom’s Saido Berahino and Tottenham’s Andros Townsend.
Judging by that trio of names, the under-fire tactician seeks Premier League experience to help his side beat the drop, currently rated a 7/10 chance by Ladbrokes, and Bendtner certainly fits that mould.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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