Newcastle are aiming to break Celtic hearts – twice.
According to the Daily Star, Newcastle United are not only pursuing Virgil van Dijk, but also his Celtic team-mate Jason Denayer.
The Magpies recently snapped their eight game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion, but still lie just two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
With two games to play, interim manager John Carver is still desperately trying to keep Newcastle in the top flight, but many expect them to stay up by the skin of their teeth.
If Newcastle do stay up, a summer overhaul is expected, with a new manager and new signings expected after another dismal season on Tyneside.
As reported by the Daily Star, Newcastle are allegedly targeting defensive help – and are hoping to pounce for two Celtic stars.
Dutch defender van Dijk will be in demand from a number of English clubs this summer having impressed in Scotland – and Newcastle are allegedly one of those interested teams – but Denayer’s name has rarely been mentioned as a target for Premier League sides.
The Belgian centre back, 19, is on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City, and has been a rock in the heart of the Celtic defence throughout the campaign.
Denayer looks unlikely to feature for City next season, and another loan deal could be on the cards – something Newcastle are allegedly keen to explore, with Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson both struggling this season.
It’s reported that North East rivals Sunderland are also looking to sign both van Dijk and Denayer, with it becoming increasing unlikely that both will be at Celtic next season – something which manager Ronny Deila must be dreading after they formed such an exceptional partnership this season.
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