Newcastle United “join race to sign David Luiz” from Chelsea

Howay, geezer!

As January approaches, so does the annual scramble for players between struggling clubs, desperate to secure their top-flight status for another year. Newcastle United are among the strugglers this winter, having been promoted from the Championship back in May. They are a well organised side, and have a few talented midfielders, but largely, the Magpies' squad is not of the standard necessary to survive in the Premier League. They're lacking some quality in defence, and have consequently entered the race to sign David Luiz, according to the Evening Standard, but only on loan. It seems overly ambitious, and Newcastle are currently in takeover talks. But in a World Cup year, the Brazilian may decide he has to make the move in order to get enough playing time. The Brazilian central defender was an integral part of Chelsea's title winning campaign last season, but has since been replaced in the starting lineup by Andreas Christensen, after his relationship with manager Antonio Conte reportedly deteriorated. Christensen has impressed in the middle of Conte's favoured three man defence, and Luiz has been left isolated, sometimes omitted from the matchday squad entirely.   Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing the defender. Having adopted the 3-4-3 system made popular in England by Conte last season, Luiz would slot nicely into Arsenal's back line between Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny. Between Arsenal and Newcastle, the former seems like the obvious choice for a player of Luiz's profile. However, the short-term solution of a loan move may appeal more to the player, before making a long-term decision on his future after the World Cup. Newcastle boss Rafa Benítez has coached Luiz before, during his brief spell at Chelsea in the 2012-13 season, so he's familiar with the player's strengths and weakness (of which there are a few). Although, the Spaniard is famous for requiring his players to be positionally disciplined, so you do wonder how well Luiz would fare up at St. James' Park, given his maverick approach to defending.