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Free agent star was once backed to be ‘world class’, now he wants to join Newcastle for nothing

Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
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LYON, FRANCE - DECEMBER 01: Jason Denayer of Lyon chases the ball during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Olympique Lyon and Stade de Reims at Groupama Stadium on December 1, 2021 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Newcastle United are expected to spend big this summer, but one addition could be a bargain free transfer in Lyon defender Jason Denayer.

A superb run of form means Newcastle now look set to stay in the Premier League, avoiding relegation under Eddie Howe.

Newcastle fans probably can’t wait for the summer window, with PIF’s funding no doubt set to really kick into full force this summer.

Yet according to The Chronicle, Lyon defender Jason Denayer is keen to join Newcastle on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Het Nieuwsblad claim Newcastle have ‘gathered information’ on Denayer as they look to striker a bargain summer deal.

That would mean a reunion with former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes as wells a return to the North East having previously played for Sunderland.

Denayer may not set pulses racing at Newcastle but he’s a quick, right-footed defender who could be the ideal complement to Dan Burn.

The Belgian ace could be an absolute bargain on a free transfer and has previously been backed to become a star.

Former Belgium boss Marc Wilmots was quoted in 2015 as saying that he thought Denayer had ‘enormous potential’ and could become ‘world class’.

Denayer Lyon Newcastle
Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images

That didn’t quite happen for the ex-Manchester City man, but it’s clear that Denayer is well thought of in the game.

Since nailing down a place at Lyon, rather than repeated loan deals, Denayer has become one of the top defenders in France.

Newcastle’s spending power means big purchases are expected, but not every signing has to break the bank.

There will also be freebies who fit the bill for Newcastle, and Denayer could be exactly that player for Newcastle – especially given his interest in making the move to St James’ Park.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 13: Jason Denayer of Belgium of Belgium dribbles with the ball during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Belgium and Estonia at the King Baudouin Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Brussels, Belgium (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/BSR Agency/Getty Images