The Mirror has reported that Championship new boys West Bromwich Albion are keen to sign Newcastle winger Rolando Aarons after missing out on Bobby Reid to Cardiff.

What's the story?

The Baggies have identified 22-year-old winger Aarons as a replacement for the Irish wide-man James McClean who they expect to lose to Stoke.

Aarons is a former England U20 international but he has struggled with injuries and off the field issues since first breaking into Newcastle's first team in 2014.

The Jamaican-born youngster struggled last season, starting just one Premier League game and one EFL Cup tie before being sent on loan to Hellas Verona in Serie A.

His struggles continued in Italy, where Aarons failed to register a goal or an assist in 11 appearances as Verona were relegated. Then, when back in the UK, the Newcastle man was handed a 10-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to do 100 hours community service for his involvement in a nightclub fight in October 2016.

The perfect replacement

With Matt Richie, Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy all currently ahead of Aarons in the pecking order at Newcastle, the Magpies would surely be best selling to West Brom while they have the chance.

Last season, Rafa Benitez brought 22-year-old winger Kenedy to St James's on loan in January and his introduction to the side immediately made Newcastle a more dangerous attacking outfit.

Kenedy, rated at €10m by Transfermarkt, has proven that he is a far more effective Premier League player than Aarons and Mike Ashley is more likely to sanction a move for the current Chelsea player if the Englishman is off the wage bill at Newcastle.

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