Newcastle or Bolton would represent the best move for his progress

Newcastle’s hunt for a new striker, or strikers, is likely to start gathering momentum in the coming weeks as Alan Pardew will get his hands on a significant amount of spending money. Pardew will have a list of potential targets written out and he will no doubt spend the next few weeks narrowing his search down to his top priorities. Whether Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge is on Pardew’s wish list is unknown, but I’m sure Pardew will be well aware of the news that Sturridge has spoken out over his desire to play regular first team football next season, something which Chelsea may not be able to give him. The news has already alerted other admirers of Sturridge and two teams in particular have got tabs on the England U21 man, they are Tottenham and Bolton. This got me pondering over the idea – if Sturridge leaves West London this summer would Bolton, Tottenham or Newcastle represent the best move for the player? 

I instantly ruled Tottenham out of the equation, as there would be a very strong possibility that Sturridge could find himself in a similar situation to the one he currently finds himself in at Chelsea. Tottenham have Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Rafael Van der Vaart all vying for places in attack and Sturridge would find himself competing for a starting berth. Obviously regardless of where Sturridge goes, he will be competing for a place, but Newcastle and Bolton aren’t blessed with the competition for places that is evident at Spurs. Therefore Sturridge’s quest for regular first team football is likely to be more attainable at the Reebok or St James’ Park.

Newcastle are on the lookout for Andy Carroll’s successor and the fabled number nine shirt is presently awaiting a new owner, to which Sturridge would be a fitting recipient. Bolton are also on the search for a new number nine, as Galatasaray  revealed this week that Johan Elmander has agreed a pre contract with them. Sturridge knows exactly what to expect should he opt for a move to Bolton after spending a successful loan spell with the Trotters this season. He would settle into familiar surroundings and be working with a manager with whom he has clearly already developed a good rapport. A move to Newcastle would represent a new chapter in Sturridge’s career and one which would give him the opportunity to play in front of some of the most passionate supporters in the country. Sturridge would more than likely be either club’s main striking option for next season and he would realise his aspiration for regular first team football.

Singling out which club out of the two would be best for Sturridge is not easy as they are at similar levels in terms of quality, this is supported by the fact that both sides finished the season on 46 points. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is intent on ensuring Newcastle take strides towards European football next season, so maybe Newcastle’s vision for the future is greater than Bolton’s?

However, I’m going to sit on the fence on this one and say a move to either Newcastle or Bolton would represent a step in the right direction for Sturridge’s progression into a top striker. If Chelsea want to keep Sturridge it will all be irrelevant anyway, but a move to Newcastle or Bolton would be the best thing for Sturridge’s career.