Newcastle should look to hijack Villa’s move for City’s young jewel

Football FanCast guest columnist Ray McMahon feels
that Newcastle should look to railroad Villa's interest in Daniel Sturridge, by
making him a stipulation in any such deal that will see Given move to City.

Being a trained UEFA coach, nothing gives me great satisfaction in seeing
players come through the system and making their names in the game. While
Arsenal's system certainly seems to be working, given the talent on display, I
just wonder whether the demand for success from supporters, will see them given
the time to evolve, I don't believe they will and that is a similar fear that I
have for Manchester City.

Manchester City has been a hot bed for top young talent and Jim Cassell
continually fails to get the recognition for the quality that he continually
churns out.

This man's CV has seen the likes of SWP, Richards, Ireland,
Johnson, Evans and Sturridge come through this system and arguably has saved
Manchester City millions in the process. Obviously City prior to having their
great wealth were able to throw these youngsters in the first team, as the
expectancy levels wasn't as high, but I just wonder now with the Abu Dhabi
United Group's pumping millions into the football club, as to whether they will
really get the chance to fulfil their potential. I know Mark Hughes has come
out and stated he is keen for this to happen, but I think the real reality is
that they won't.

I look at this Manchester City squad and for me there are potentially going
to be a lot of rich pickings for other clubs to exploits. We all know about the
talents of Joe Hart and Michael Johnson, but for me the jewel of their crown is
Daniel Sturridge, who is without question will have a big future within the
game. He really has no weakness in his game, apart from experience, but has
already shown in the fleeting first team appearances he has had, what great
abilities he possesses and how he can handle the rigours and pace of top level
football. I remember watching him as a 15yr old and it was simply a man against
boy's performance out there. When players are top quality they stand out like a
country mile and there is simply no hesitation as to whether they will make it
to the top, Sturridge is fulfilling that potential and that is why City are so
desperate to keep hold of the 19yr old.

It has emerged in the recent months that City are struggling to agree a new
contract for the striker, as he is unwilling to commit his future to the club.
I cannot believe for a minute it is down to monetary reasons, given the wealth
City possess and it makes you wonder whether the player is biding his time to
see what opportunities he will be given this season, and whether the possible January
arrivals are going to stunt his progress. The additions of Bellamy and the likely
signing of Roque Cruz, will certainly knock him down the pecking order and he
will certainly hold tight and wait until the summer, unless a deal is
forthcoming in the next 48hrs.

It has been reported this week that Aston Villa are one of the clubs that are
monitoring the situation closely and O'Neill, who in fairness does favour
English talent, is keen to line him up to join his ever improving Villa side.
While a move to Villa would undoubtedly be tempting for the youngster, he will
only be fully aware that like at City, he will have players ahead of him in the
pecking order and will wonder whether he will get his chance to shine. In my
opinion he is actually good enough to be in their starting line-up now,
although I'm sure Villa fans will see it slightly differently.

For me the perfect move would be Newcastle for the lad and he should be a
huge stipulation from them in the deal to take Shay Given in the opposite
direction. Sturridge would be a sensation on Tyneside and more importantly he
will be given the opportunity he needs to show what a talent he is. He isn't
another Ameobi who is all potential and then flatters to deceive, as he is a
different level altogether in terms of ability and his arrival would mirror
that of Andy Cole's arrival all those years ago. He is ready for the Premier
League and just needs the club that will give him that opportunity and a run of
games so he can fulfil his undoubted potential. Newcastle are desperately short
upfront, given their wretched run of injuries, and that is why they should look
to take advantage of City's desire of Shay Given to land this most precocious
talent.