Newcastle favourites to make a January move for Man City outcast

They may be sitting comfortably at the top of the Championship table, but Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United certainly aren’t resting on their laurels, with the Magpies looking to strengthen their midfield when the winter transfer window opens in just under two weeks.

Despite boasting the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Colback, Matt Ritchie and Cheick Tiote, the Tyneside outfit are reportedly looking into the possibility of adding Manchester City outcast Fabian Delph to their ranks.

The midfielder has seen very little in the way of first-team opportunities so far this season under Pep Guardiola, having been ruled out for a lengthy spell with injuries.

The Spanish boss was said to have been interested in turning the England international into a Javier Mascherano-esque ball-playing centre-half back in the summer. But he’s since dismissed that idea, as he looks to add defensive reinforcements himself when the window opens.

That means Delph will struggle to break into Pep’s plans on his return in January.

And keen to learn from the mistakes of fellow English players, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair, Delph is now weighing up his options away from the Etihad.

The Magpies are the 4/1 favourites for the former Aston Villa man’s signature, with West Brom and Everton next in the running at 5/1 and 6s respectively.

Benitez’s midfielders certainly haven’t let him down so far this campaign, with 12 goals coming from that area of the park in Newcastle’s opening 22 games.

And while Delph has played just five games in the Championship in his career – those coming for Leeds United back in the 2011-12 campaign, he’d undoubtedly fit straight in at St James’ Park.

Not to mention the fact that he’d bring plenty of Premier League experience to the side if they return to the top-flight next campaign.

Delph hasn’t had the impact he would have expected for the Citizens since arriving for £8m from Villa back in 2015, and has started just eight league games for the two-time Premier League champions.

But the latest odds are suggesting his time in the north-west could be coming to an end as early as next month.

What do fans think? Would Delph’s arrival be beneficial for the Magpies, or is a drop down in divisions a step in the wrong direction for the midfielder?

Have your say in the comments section below!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing