Newcastle United, Newcastle, Newcastle news, Newcastle updates, Newcastle transfer news, Newcastle transfer updates, Magpies, Toon, NUFC, St. James' Park, Eddie Howe, Mitchel Bakker, Bayer Leverkusen
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now in ‘contact’ to sign Mitchel Bakker for Newcastle United this summer.
The Lowdown: January offer
It was reported back in the January transfer window that the St. James’ Park faithful were close to signing Bakker from Bayer Leverkusen after making an offer, but the deal hit a stumbling block.
His representatives even reportedly travelled to the North East in order to try and push through the move, but in the end nothing materialised, and Bakker remains at Leverkusen.
The Latest: ‘Contact’ made
As per SportBILD (via Sport Witness), ‘contact’ with Bakker and his management over a potential move to Tyneside is still ongoing after the January bid, and they are now ready to ‘make a new offer’ for him in the summer.
Should Newcastle sign Bakker?
Yes
No
It is not clear whether his valuation is the same as it was last window, but nonetheless it seems as if the Magpies are now lining up a new bid.
The Verdict: Depends on Targett
It has been reported that the Toon will look to sign Matt Targett from Aston Villa on a permanent deal after impressing while on loan, meaning that they would have the left-back spot covered, and so signing Bakker as well would not seem like a smart move.
However, if any deal for Targett fell through, then the Dutchman could be a great alternative.
Described as a player who has ‘pace and strength’ as well as ‘footballing ability’ (via The Chronicle) by Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller, the six-foot-one menace would suit Premier League football very well, and at just 21 years of age, he has a lot of potential.
Nonetheless, the club have to see what happens with Targett first of all, before pursuing a deal for the Bundesliga left-back.
In other news, find out who is now ‘close’ to returning for NUFC here!
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