Newcastle United are reportedly keen on a move for Romain Perraud in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Newcastle need starting left-back

Jamal Lewis found himself out of favour with Steve Bruce towards the end of the 2020/21 season, having been left on the bench by the former Aston Villa and Sunderland manager in the Magpies' last 12 matches in the Premier League, and only coming on for a mere six minutes in total during that time (Transfermarkt).

With Paul Dummett also in the frame, it is not clear who is going to be the starting left-back come the start of the 2021/22 campaign, so it would be a wise idea by the St James' Park club to go out and buy a new left-back over the summer.

The Latest: Newcastle keen on Perraud

As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are keen on a move for Perraud, along with both Leeds and Southampton.

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However, any deal would have to exceed €10m (£8.6m), and the Saints are currently leading the hunt for his signature.

Nonetheless, there is still time for the Magpies to scupper Southampton's plans to sign him, should they decide to act on their interest.

The Verdict: Newcastle must sign Perraud

Newcastle must look to beat off the competition from their rivals in the Premier League and sign Perraud at all costs.

The Frenchman scored three goals and supplied a further seven assists in 36 games in Ligue 1 last season ('quality'.

He would also be an upgrade on both Lewis and Dummett, given that he averaged more tackles (1.7), interceptions (1.3), shots (1.3), key passes (one), dribbles (0.9), crosses (1.1) and long balls (2.3) per game in their respective domestic leagues last campaign (WhoScored).

At just 23 years of age, Perraud still has a lot of potential, and now may be the perfect opportunity for Newcastle to tempt Brest into a sale.

In other news, find out what big Newcastle transfer claim has been dropped!