Would targeting Bale be a good move for Newcastle?

The Chronicle are among several media outlets linking Newcastle United with a move for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale in the next transfer window.  This scenario will of course only happen if Amanda Staveley, the Reuben Brothers and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund seal a deal to buy the Magpies.

Reportedly the new owners want to sign Bale as a statement of intent. However, the Welshman is may not be the sort of signing that would move Newcastle in the right direction.

Endured mixed fortunes in Madrid

In his younger years at Southampton and Tottenham, Gareth Bale looked like an exciting, hungry footballer. However, his time at Madrid has not been all champagne and roses to coin an old term.

Despite playing a big part in Los Blancos winning the Champions League on four occasions and La Liga once, he is still not that popular amongst the Madridistas. The fact that he has not embraced the country has raised question marks over his attitude. However, reports suggest that the 30-year-old is a shy and reserved character, which may be the reason for his perceived lack of love for his adopted home city.

Past his best and injury-hit

On his day, Gareth Bale is a fine footballer and far from finished at 30. However, it is easy to argue that he is not past his best. An injury-plagued career has taken its toll on his body. He may be high-profile on paper and sell shirts if he signed, but the reputation no longer matches the player.

Would a switch to Newcastle appeal to him? The Magpies team will no doubt transform if the takeover is successful with a superior quality of player heading into the north east club. That would certainly make the move more attractive, than if he looked at the current state of the team. Newcastle have the potential to be massive with the right investment.

However, it seems that Bale has lost some of his zest for playing the beautiful game. Is it the fact that he does not feel appreciated in the Spanish capital? Or is it because he simply prefers to play golf.

Bale has stated in the past that he is quite prepared to stay in Madrid, play golf and see out his contract. Finances would not be a problem if the takeover happens, so he could earn even more on Tyneside than in Madrid. Only Bale and the ones closest to him will know if a move to Newcastle would be a viable option for the Welshman.

Newcastle can target younger stars

The signing of Bale may be good for the Newcastle brand. However, whether it would be good on the field only time would tell. At this stage of his career, would a move to Newcastle just be a last big payday for the forward?

The Magpies would have the financial backing to bring in younger players, with more hunger and maybe a greater motivation to succeed in the game. They would also not need another player who spends so much time on the treatment table.

The north east club have experience of that with the likes of Michael Owen and Andy Carroll springing to mind. In short, as a neutral, I am not sure if it would be the shrewdest of moves for Newcastle sign Gareth Bale, even if it would be a move that made headlines.

Should Newcastle attempt to sign Gareth Bale if the proposed takeover is complete?