According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Bayer Leverkusen are now willing to sell Mitchel Bakker, with Newcastle interested in signing him.
What’s the story?
Well, this is good news for the Magpies as they look to increase their chances of staying in the Premier League.
It comes after Hope’s colleague at the Daily Mail – Simon Jones – revealed that a £14.5m bid had been submitted for the Dutchman.
Now, Hope claims that Bayer Leverkusen have responded positively to that offer, and are requesting £16m from Newcastle.
That is, of course, just £1.5m more, so you would presume a deal isn’t far from being agreed between the two clubs.
Hope adds that Bayer Leverkusen are already looking for players who could replace Bakker, as they get ready to part ways with the 21-year-old.
The former Paris Saint-Germain defender would become Eddie Howe’s third signing of the month, after securing Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.
Should Newcastle sign Mitchel Bakker?
In our view, it would be disappointing if Newcastle signed Bakker, as it would spell bad news for Jamal Lewis.
The Northern Ireland international didn’t come cheap at £15m, so it would be a shame to see him discarded for another expensive left-back.
Of course, Howe is currently without Lewis due to an injury, although it would be sad if he found a new arrival in his place upon returning.
Having said that, Bakker is arguably the better player, and it really is crunch time for Newcastle – there can’t be much room for sentiment.
Hopefully, Howe can find a way to ensure this move doesn’t spell the end for Lewis at Newcastle, but in truth, the signs aren’t looking good.
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