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Gary Neville hammers reported £26m Newcastle target for mistake on Wednesday

Will Butcher

Thu 2 July 2020 9:15, UK

Gary Neville has heavily criticised reported Newcastle target Marcos Alonso for the Spaniard’s display in West Ham United’s 3-2 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night – as the Hammers earned a crucial three points.

Alonso, 29, has emerged as a target for Newcastle if the club complete a reportedly imminent takeover in the coming days, or weeks. Newcastle are considering a move for the ex-Sunderland defender.

It is believed a fee of £26million would tempt Chelsea into cashing in on Alonso, with Frank Lampard keen to sign Ben Chilwell from Leicester. But if Newcastle were watching on Wednesday, they would not have been impressed.

Certainly, Neville was not impressed by the Spain international’s display. Often getting forward but struggling to replicate that speed getting back, Alonso left gaps and it saw Andriy Yarmolenko score a late winner.

“I mentioned it earlier in the match. When you’re team lose the ball, run back as fast as you can. You learn that at age six. Alonso has two different speeds, going forward and going back to defend,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

TBR’s view – Is Alonso the answer to Newcastle’s left-back issues?

Jetro Willems posted on Instagram after he seemingly left the Toon with his contract expiring on Tuesday, and a knee injury keeping the Dutch ace sidelined. Danny Rose remains on loan from Tottenham.

Newcastle need a left-back this summer with Rose likely to return to Spurs, unless a takeover is completed. But Alonso is hardly the answer if Neville’s comments, and Wednesday’s display is anything to go by.