Newcastle identify 16 million pound defensive addition with club ‘prepared to sell’
Newcastle identify 16 million pound defensive addition with club ‘prepared to sell’
Newcastle United have reportedly identified their third signing under new owners, as they look to bolster their chances of remaining in the top flight.
Mitchel Bakker, of Bayer Leverkusen is the man thought to be in the crosshairs, as per the Daily Mail.
The left-back only joined the German side in the summer from PSG, but Leverkusen are thought to be “prepared to sell” provided the 16 million pound valuation of the 21 year old Dutchman is met.
Mitchel Bakker to NUFC is one we could see movement on. Hearing Leverkusen want £16m & are prepared to sell. They’re already sourcing replacements for the Dutch left-back.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) January 22, 2022
Bakker has made 12 top-flight appearances for the German outfit, contributing a goal and two assists in the process, and would add competition on the left-flank for fellow youngster Jamal Lewis, who joined the club from Norwich in 2020 but has struggled for game-time on Tyneside so far this season.
The Netherlands youth international, who has been capped 12 times at U21 level, has 10 Champions League appearances to his name, as well as a pair of Europa League turnouts, and would be a low cost, high-potential signing that could even be sold for profit in the future.
Transfer window taking shape?
Bakker would follow Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood in making the move to Tyneside this January, but there is still the feeling that it is simply not enough to ensure Newcastle, currently 19th, avoid relegation come May.
Welcome aboard, @trippier2!
⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/0p38oClngO
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 7, 2022
There is hope that a new centre-back arrives before the window slams shut.
Equally, they have been linked with a move for Bernd Leno, and with Arsenal having already lined up a replacement, this is a move that could happen quite quickly.
Arsenal and New England Revolution are in direct contact for Matt Turner deal, as per @TaylorTwellman. Negotiations on – talks will continue in the coming hours. 🇺🇸 #AFC
More: personal terms already discussed & not an issue. It’s clubs negotiation now. Leno could leave soon. pic.twitter.com/YivJgQybB4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2022
They need to start happening soon though.
