Hans Hateboer has asked to leave Serie A side Atalanta during the January transfer window with Newcastle United very interested in a potential deal, according to TuttoMercatoWEB.
The Dutchman joined La Dea from FC Groningen in 2017 and has been a firm fixture at the Gewiss Stadium. But Hateboer is now eager to embark on a new adventure outside of Italy.
Several Italian sides are monitoring the right-back’s situation in Bergamo after he recently returned from injury. The 28-year-old endured a frustrating time throughout last year after suffering a metatarsal fracture in January that would ultimately need surgery in September.
Atalanta expected Hateboer to recover during the winter break, but he made a shock early return to action in November. The 11-cap international has since featured in La Dea’s last six Serie A fixtures and final Champions League group stage tie, while offering one assist.
Hateboer offered his first assist since May as Atalanta won 6-2 on the road to Udinese on Sunday. Yet the Dacia Arena tie may also be his last in manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Hateboer hands in transfer request amid Newcastle interest in Atalanta star
Hateboer has been among Atalanta’s key men that has finished the last three Serie A seasons in third-place. Yet his situation is now a great disturbance in Bergamo. So, the full-back could leave before La Dea host leaders Inter Milan on Sunday.
Newcastle hold a very strong interest in Hateboer, who has now asked to leave Atalanta in a January transfer, too. The right-back informed the Dea hierarchy of his desire to leave in recent days and it is likely he leaves.
However, Newcastle’s £12m transfer for Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier may end their interest in Atalanta’s Hateboer. Eddie Howe now has his new first-choice right-back and may not want to invest any further resources in the position.
But Hateboer, who is only under contract until 2023, may offer Howe suitable depth in the role. He is a hard-working dynamo with solid attacking instincts and defensive capabilities.
The Dutchman is extremely effective in both phases of the game, has pace to burn and plays with intensity. But Newcastle’s need for another striker will likely see Howe target attacking transfers before eying Atalanta’s Hateboer after signing Trippier.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
