Newcastle face deadline day wait over £16m Mitchel Bakker transfer as Leverkusen hold out

Striker Wood joins Newcastle

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Newcastle are reportedly willing to broker a deal to bring Netherlands left-back Mitchel Bakker to the club this week – although a tense wait until Monday’s deadline could beckon before the signing is completed.

The Magpies have spent £37million this window on Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

Trippier became the club’s first signing under the new Saudi ownership from Atletico Madrid before Eddie Howe decided to raid his old side Burnley with the £25m capture of Wood in mid-January.

The club have also been linked with moves for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaeres in a bid to massively strengthen before the transfer deadline.

But with defensive frailties paramount to their failures this season, more targets at the back are being chased.

And according to Sky, the Magpies have earmarked Bayer Leverkusen left-back Bakker as their key target – although a nervy wait until the transfer deadline may take place.

The report states that the left-back is available for around £16m, providing Leverkusen can find a replacement.

Jamal Lewis has flattered to deceive in his time at St James’ Park, forcing Howe to try his hand at another promising European full-back.

Bakker started his career at Ajax aged just 10, making no appearances for the club before moving to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2019.

He made just three appearances in the 2019/20 season at the Parc des Princes after being unable to upstage Juan Bernat and Layvin Kurzawa.

However, he played a more prominent role the season after in PSG’s Champions League run where they lost to Manchester City in the semi-final.

The report further states that Newcastle have been trying to add in that position throughout the window, and have also made an offer to Brighton for Dan Burn.

A proposed deal for Bakker could go on until Monday’s deadline given the fact his club won’t let him go without lining up a replacement.

It is yet to be seen whether Leverkusen will be able to find a replacement with just a few days of the transfer window left.

Newcastle currently sit 18th in the table, having won just two of their 21 games.

And they have a chance to escape the drop with a win over free-falling Everton on February 8.

Source: Read Full Article