Newcastle United are looking to bring Crystal Palace full-back Patrick Van Aanholt back to Tyneside a decade after his short-lived loan spell with the Magpies, according to The Sun (19 July, page 60).
A lot has changed since the last time a Dutch international pulled on the famous black and white stripes.
Fabricio Coloccini and a rangy young striker by the name of Andy Carroll scored the goals as Van Aanholt’s Newcastle took a big stride towards the Championship title in February 2010.
And, ten years on, reports are suggesting that a man who made just seven appearances for Newcastle during a loan from Chelsea could return to St James Park – on a permanent basis, this time.
The left-back spot has been a problem position for years at Newcastle.
And with Danny Rose hardly setting the world alight since arriving in January, the Sun suggests that Steve Bruce could make a move for a one-time Sunderland favourite who he has admired for many a year.
Van Aanholt is one of the most effective attacking full-backs in the Premier League on his day after all.
Since swapping Sunderland for Palace in a £14 million deal three years ago, the ten-cap Dutchman scored an impressive 13 top flight goals.
But it remains to be seen whether a serious injury suffered in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Thursday could kill off Newcastle’s plans before they even get going.
“We spoke to him as a group after the game and thanked him for what he has done during his time here,” Newcastle hero Chris Hughton told the club’s website during that Championship-winning campaign in 2010.
“It has been a loan move that has been very successful and has worked both ways.
“He’s been a pleasure to work with and we wish him all the best for the future.”
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