Eddie Howe has reportedly been impressed by Newcastle defender Jamal Lewis in training despite being cut from the Premier League squad at the end of the January transfer window.
According to the Athletic, the Magpies manager see ‘genuine potential’ in the former Norwich City star despite a season to forget for the Northern Ireland international, with Lewis not featuring for Newcastle since mid-December.
A lack of form and trust under former manager Steve Bruce, who signed the fullback in 2020 for a reported £15m according to Sky Sports News, has seen Lewis play just six times for Newcastle this season, with the fullback being cut from the squad entirely this January.
However, whilst Lewis’ Newcastle career appeared to be at an end, Howe seemingly has plans for the 24-year-old Luton-born defender for next season, with the Toon boss being impressed with what he has seen from the fullback in training.
As per the Athletic, Howe has admired Lewis’ endurance and athleticism in training, yet the left-back will likely depart Newcastle in the summer on loan after missing nearly six months of football through no fault of his own.
With Matt Targett likely to be signed in the summer, as well, a temporary move away from St. James Park could be beneficial for Lewis, who showed signs of great potential during his time with Norwich in both the Premier League and Championship.
Lewis needs regular football away from Newcastle next season
Keeping up form in the Premier League is difficult for most players, and for Lewis, the defender has struggled to maintain top-quality performances that made him such a prized talent at Norwich, and now, the fullback should be looking for a loan away from Newcastle.
After all, there is a strong chance that Howe will look to sign a left-back in the summer, and for Lewis, departing Newcastle on a short-term transfer could be perfect for the defender to regain the form that made him such an exciting prospect during his time with the Canaries.
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