Newcastle United have firmed up their interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Mitchel Bakker by offering a fee worth £14.5million.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Newcastle had opened talks with Leverkusen over a potential deal.
Now, the Mail claim the move has advanced because the Magpies have put a firm cash offer on the table.
Newcastle are offering £14.5million to sign Bakker, which would give Leverkusen a huge profit on their summer outlay.
Leverkusen paid £8million to sign Bakker from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, with Newcastle offering a healthy £6.5million profit.
Newcastle have allegedly received positive feedback after initiating their move for Bakker, with everything pointing in the right direction.
It’s unlikely that the Magpies will secure Bakker in time for him to play against Leeds United this weekend.
Still, this could be a big addition for Newcastle as Eddie Howe chases a new left back for his retooled back four.
Bakker, 21, was schooled at Ajax having spent ten years in the ranks of the Amsterdam giants.
In 2019, Bakker decided to trade the Netherlands for France, signing for Paris Saint-Germain on free transfer.
Bakker managed 45 appearances for PSG but chose to leave at the end of last season chasing a bigger role elsewhere.
Sadly for the Dutchman, that hasn’t really happened. With 10 starts from Leverkusen’s 19 Bundesliga games, Bakker has been in and out of the team.
At 6ft 1in tall, Bakker is built like a centre back but can also get forward to support the attack, possessing a great athletic profile.
Still with untapped potential, Bakker could be a smart addition – and Leverkusen appear to be open to making a quick profit.
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