Patrick van Aanholt is one of the 'gems' available to Newcastle United on a free transfer, according to Noel Whelan.

The former Leeds United and Middlesbrough forward was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Van Aanholt has reached the end of his Crystal Palace contract and was included on the club's official released list.

The 30-year-old has racked up more than 200 Premier League appearances, scoring 21 goals and assisting 15.

He's previously spent a month on loan at St James' Park back in 2010 after an injury to Jose Enrique.

The former Sunderland man is currently on Euro 2020 duty with The Netherlands, and has started both of their Group C matches.

He helped them become the first team to book their place in the knockout stages as group winners.

The latest

With Football Insider claiming Newcastle as little £8million-£10million available to spend this summer, Whelan says they need to be 'clever'.

And he believes offering a two-year deal to the Dutchman would represent very shrewd business.

"Look at Van Aanholt," he said. "I'm sure he could do a job at Newcastle. He's someone who can add that quality and experience.

"Newcastle have to be clever in the transfer market and look at players who are out of contract.

"Maybe a two-year contract for some players. Van Aanholt would be one for me. They have to look at him.

"There are gems out there if you look for them."

The verdict

Van Aanholt can be supremely effective going forward, but there are real question marks over him defensively.

£15million signing Jamal Lewis endured a somewhat tricky first season on Tyneside, leaving Newcastle with a dilemma in that position.

They won't be confident in Lewis as a first-choice left-back, but equally bringing Van Aanholt in for a couple of years may stall the youngster's development even further.

An initial one-year deal, if the Dutchman accepts it, may be best.

In other news, Steve Howey claims this fan favourite could return to St James' Park.