Newcastle United are reportedly admirers of Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni.
Newcastle United are reportedly admirers of Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni.
Newcastle United have been linked with a surprise transfer swoop for Coventry City star Jack Rudoni with ongoing speculation surrounding Sean Longstaff's future.have , amid an ongoing issue surrounding UEFA's Champions League registration.
claims the Magpies view the Sky Blues midfielder is a potential replacement for Longstaff, as one of the best players outside of the top flight and it's a view that is shared by a number of scouts.
Last season, Rudoni scored ten goals and notched 13 assists in 50 games in all competitions. He was an ever-present for Frank Lampard's side as they reached the Championship play-off final only to be beaten by Newcastle's arch rivals, Sunderland.
Transfermarkt claims the player only has a valuation of €12million (£10.4m), but highly ambitious owner Doug King would likely demand almost three times that amount. The Black Cats' recent sale of Jobe Bellingham - who Rudoni boasted a better end product than last season - has set the precedent after a £27.8m move before add-ons.
Coventry have sold well in the past with Gus Hamer joining Sheffield United for £15million, while the highly sought after Viktor Gyokeres sealed a £17.5m plus add-ons (now up to £20m) move to Sporting in 2023.
Rudoni has, thus far, successfully stepped up from League One to the Championship and his form last season has shown he's growing closer to outgrowing the second tier. Goals and creativity from central areas of the pitch is something that has been lacking for Eddie Howe's side in recent years.
The 24-year-old would be a shrewd addition being able to fill in Longstaff's box-to-box role, but is also capable of playing efficiently off the striker. His 6ft1 physical frame make him an ideal profile for the Magpies powerhouse midfield engine room.
Some may turn their noses up at spending a figure in the region of £25m-£30m on a player from the second tier with no Premier League experience and yet, that used to be regular path trodden.
Rudoni was one of Lampard's standout players last season and growing up a Chelsea fan, lauds the work his former Idol has done since arriving at the CBS Arena.
earlier this year, Rudoni said: "I grew up supporting Chelsea so I was basically watching them every week, and as a midfielder he was probably my favourite player as I was growing up.
"I am from down south and I used to go to the games, so to work with him is amazing for me. He was an amazing player and is a great guy who has been helping me ever since he got here, and I think you can see that from the stuff I have produced and the goals and assists I have got. He’s got me scoring more and it’s a pleasure to work with him, and I just want to better myself.
"Obviously the Gaffer was a top, top player so there’s no-one better to ask and I am always wanting to know how to do stuff better. They have been brilliant with me and the team, and really clear what they are asking us to do every game.
"And we’re going out there with a clear mind knowing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing. And, for me, that’s perfect and allows me to express myself in the final third and try to create as well, and that fills me with confidence. I go out there feeling I am ready to beat everyone, so I am feeling really good at the moment."
The relationship between Lampard and Rudoni will strengthen Coventry's stance this summer, but the bright lights of the Premier League, Champions League and recent League Cup success will be a huge factor for Newcastle in any negotiations too.
Rudoni need only look at Eddie Howe's proven track record in improving players and one glance at the England squad to see what the future might look like for him should he move to St. James' Park. There are plenty of factors that must fall into place and negotiations have been difficult for Newcastle this summer, but Rudoni would be a smart pick up.