Ian Rush has claimed that Newcastle United should look to sign Aaron Ramsey in January amid ongoing transfer rumours linking him with a move to the North East.
The former Arsenal midfielder has fallen out of favour at Juventus and it is understood that they are looking to move him on.
This has led to rumours linking the Welshman with a move back to the Premier League with the Magpies said to be the main club interested.
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Rush has backed his fellow countryman to succeed should he return to the English top flight after not being given a role in his favoured position in Italy.
“At Juventus, they play him in a defensive midfield role, which isn’t getting the best out of him in my opinion,” said the Liverpool legend in his gambling.com column.
“If you’re not happy, you’re not likely to produce your best football. He’s trying his best, like a typical Welshman, but it’s always going to be difficult when you’re not playing in your best position.
“Personally, I’d like to see him at Newcastle. He’d improve their squad a lot and even though I’m not fond of January transfers I’d like to see him move in the next window to get his game time up in 2022 ahead of the World Cup, if Wales qualify of course.”
The arrival of Eddie Howe at St James’ Park is one that Rush is optimistic about and believes that the recently-appointed head coach would benefit from having the 30-year-old in his attacking system.
“New Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would love a player like Ramsey I reckon,” he claimed.
“At Bournemouth he built a very good attacking team and Ramsey would fit his style down to a tee.
“It’s a difficult job for Howe but he has that Bournemouth experience so even if Newcastle end up going down he has brought Bournemouth up from the Football League in the past so they’d still be in good hands.”
Rush will have had the best interests of Wales at heart when passing his judgement but such a glowing reference from one of the game’s most proficient attacking players can certainly do no harm.
Ramsey might even be available on a free transfer in the new year with Juventus reportedly exploring the possibility of terminating his contract when a suitor is found.
While his wage demands would still be extortionate, it might represent a good first piece of business for Howe and the new owners.
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