Newcastle United could sign former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey on a free transfer in the January window amid speculation linking him with a move in the summer.
What's the story?
Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that the Magpies had made an enquiry for the Wales international as they looked to revamp their midfield, with Steve Bruce having sounded out Ramsey's availability for a move away from Juventus.
Now, Alan Nixon has claimed that the Bianconeri are ready to let the midfielder go on a free transfer in the January window, with Newcastle, West Ham and Everton all keen on signing him.
Fans would love him
After reports initially emerged of Newcastle's interest in Ramsey, Dean Windass threw his backing behind a potential move for the 30-year-old. Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: "Newcastle would suit him. Why wouldn't he go there? It all changes, the supporters coming back, get your career back on track. He will play in that attacking midfield role."
Arsene Wenger raved about the Welshman's ability to get into the box and find himself on the end of moves, saying: "In my head, Ramsey was going to be a player between 10 and 15 goals a year. He is a Frank Lampard type. He is (about) getting in the box and he has a huge capacity to run. Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly the best in the league."
Described as an "outstanding technician", Ramsey would offer that same knack of getting into the box at the right times and scoring those poacher-type goals.
In fact, Lampard himself wrote in a column for The Evening Standard about the 74-goal star: "It will probably come as no surprise to people that I like Ramsey. Like me, he makes late runs in the penalty area and he showed that with aplomb for the second goal at AC Milan last week."
If Ramsey could complete a shock switch to St James' Park, then as Steve Howey says, "fans would absolutely love him". That ability and knack of arriving late in the box to score some goals would ease the burden on the likes of Joe Willock and Allan Saint-Maximin, and give them another attacking threat.