Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United have made a new left-back their top January target, according to the Sun (22 November, page 61), amid links with Jetro Willems and Sporting Lisbon’s Nuno Mendes.
With a packed fixture schedule pinging hamstrings up and down the UK, every top-flight club needs as much depth as they can get as they look to avoid an injury crisis of epic proportions.
Considering that Paul Dummett is still stuck on the treatment table, thereby leaving Jamal Lewis as the only genuine left-back at Bruce’s disposal, the January window cannot come soon enough for Newcastle.
The Sun reports that, despite a lack of cover for Callum Wilson in attack and a complete absence of anything remotely substantial in what often feels like a mirage of a midfield, a left-sided defender is Newcastle’s top priority in the winter market.
This comes amid claims from the Chronicle suggesting that former fan favourite Jetro Willems could be offered a return to St James’ Park; provided he can prove his fitness.
The Dutch international shone during a loan spell on Tyneside before a cruciate ligament injury wrecked his hopes of a £10 million permanent deal 10 months ago.
Willems has no future at parent club Eintracht Frankfurt and will be available on the cheap with his contract due to expire next summer.
It goes without saying that Nuno Mendes would cost a damn sight more.
The Sporting Lisbon super-kid has a £40 million release clause in his contract. But Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has shown a willingness to invest in promising youngsters with substantial re-sale value when the opportunity arises (Mail).
Bruce has prioritised players with a proven track-record in the Premier League, however, perhaps giving Willems the advantage over his Iberian counterpart.
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