Newcastle United latest news: The Magpies have been linked with signing yet another promising Eredivisie talent.
Newcastle United are reportedly in the mix to sign promising Dutch defender Ruud Nijstad - but they will face stiff competition from around Europe for his signature.
Nijstad currently plays for Eredivisie side FC Twente and has enjoyed a real breakthrough season, featuring 13 times in all competitions. 10 of those matches have come in the league with Nijstad having started three of their last four league matches, completing 90 minutes in two of those games.
The Spanish giants are reportedly more advanced than their rivals in the race to secure the teenager’s services, however, an agreement between FC Twente and Barcelona is yet to be reached amid a sticking point over the price being demanded by the Dutch club. According to those reports, Barcelona are unwilling to pay more than €10m for the defender this summer.
If their reluctance to meet FC Twente’s asking price stalls a deal, then there are a handful of other clubs that could gazump Barcelona. One of those could be Newcastle United.
The Magpies will look to strengthen their defensive options this summer after a plethora of injury issues affecting their back line at the turn of the year exposed their lack of depth in that area of the pitch. Newcastle opted against reinforcing Eddie Howe’s defensive options during the January transfer window, but were linked with a number of other promising young defenders during that month.
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Toulouse’s Dayann Methalie and Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys were both linked with a potential move to St James’ Park during the winter window as they adopted a policy of long-term transfers, rather than sticking plasters to cover their current injury issues. Neither player moved to Tyneside, but they reportedly remain potential targets when the summer window opens at the end of the season.
Nijstad, meanwhile, would also tick those boxes. However, with both Chelsea and Manchester City also reportedly chasing his signature, it’s unlikely that the Netherlands Under-18’s international will struggle to find clubs interested in him if he decides to move on this summer.
Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans
Strengthening defensively will be one of Howe’s priorities when the summer window opens, but there are other areas of his squad that will need attention at the end of the season. In goal, a decision must be made on Aaron Ramsdale’s future at the club, whilst Nick Pope, who will be 34 by the time the season concludes, is not a long-term goalkeeping option.
James Trafford has long been admired by the club and his recent comments suggest that he may not be happy having to act as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s deputy next season. However, it is understood that his wage demands may prove to be a stumbling block for Newcastle United should they reignite their interest in him when the summer transfer window opens.
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