Newcastle United And Chelsea Are Both Tracking 6ft 6 Colossus Who Shares The Same Agent As Jaissle
Newcastle United are expected to restart scouting missions when Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman returns to full fitness, according to reports.
The Chronicle‘s Lee Ryder claims that sporting director Ross Wilson had been keeping an eye on the 6ft 6 teenager prior to an injury he sustained against PSV Eindhoven last month.
Bouwman suffered a bruised sternum and lung following a bad challenge from Robin van Bommel in early September.
However, he could soon return to action, with Wilson keen to maintain a watching brief on the 19-year-old.
There will be competition for Bouwman
It is believed that Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on the Netherlands youth international, but the Magpies believe they may have an advantage over the Blues and other suitors.
Bouwman is represented by the same agency as head coach Matthias Jaissle, so there is an existing relationship which they could utilise.
Of course, the club have strong communication channels with his club Ajax as well, having signed Sean Steur from the Eredivisie side during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United are actively looking for new centre-backs
It is not a secret that the Magpies are hoping to bring in fresh blood to reinforce the middle of defence, and Bouwman is by no means the only target under consideration.
Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini has been on the club’s radar for several years, and he has recently expressed a desire to leave Italy.
Gremio’s Wallace has also been mentioned as a potential option in recent days. Like Bouwman and Scalvini, the 21-year-old fits the profile that the Magpies are seeking. The club want to recruit younger replacements for the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, who could leave St James’ Park when their contracts expire next summer.