Newcastle United have started laying groundwork to sign Jason Denayer – but Barcelona are now in the mix to sign the Lyon defender too.
That’s according to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, who claim that Newcastle have ‘gathered information’ on a potential deal to sign Denayer.
Links to Denayer have been prominent of late. Sky Sports reported Newcastle’s interest in signing Denayer back in December.
The Athletic added in January that Newcastle had contacted Lyon about a possible deal for Denayer as well as Lyon teammate Moussa Dembele.
Now it seems that Newcastle have been contacting Denayer’s representatives to try and thrash out a summer deal.
Denayer is out of contract this summer and can leave Lyon for absolutely nothing, with Newcastle sensing a bargain.
The problem is that many European clubs are now keen on Denayer too, with Juventus, Napoli and even Barcelona interested.
All of those clubs are also gathering information on Denayer’s situation, with a real fight for his signature on the horizon.
Denayer, 26, is no stranger to the North East having spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Newcastle’s bitter rivals Sunderland.
The Belgian international has been impressing with Lyon and now seems ready to make the next step forward in his career.
Returning to England may be appealing for the ex-Manchester City talent, and a deal would see him reunite with Bruno Guimaraes – who just left Lyon for Newcastle.
Quick and confident on the ball, Denayer is only 6ft tall but could be the ideal balance next to giant Newcastle defender Dan Burn.
For free, Denayer would be an absolute bargain for Newcastle – and it looks like the Magpies are pressing ahead with plans to sign him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
