Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Groningen’s Ritsu Doan.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are considering a move for Groningen playmaker Ritsu Doan – but would have to hijack Manchester City to do it.
The Magpies will be looking for January additions, and the hottest rumour right now is that Rafael Benitez is pushing for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron to sign.
Competition for the Paraguayan’s signature is intense, and it would be no surprise to see Newcastle target other playmakers as contingency plans in case they can’t sign Almiron.
Now, The Chronicle report that Newcastle are tracking Groningen talent Doan, and he would be the club’s second Japanese signing of 2018 after landing Yoshinori Muto over the summer.
Doan, 20, spent last season on loan at Groningen from Gamba Osaka, and impressed enough to earn a permanent deal this past summer.
The diminutive playmaker has impressed this term with four goals and two assists in 15 Eredivisie games, and Newcastle are now allegedly taking an interest in bringing him to the Premier League.
However, the report comes just days after TEAMtalk reported that Manchester City are desperate to tie up a January deal for Doan having missed out over the summer.
It’s claimed that City would be willing to leave Doan out on loan in the Netherlands for now, and that means Newcastle face a huge battle attempting to hijack Pep Guardiolas title-winners.
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