Relegation-threatened Newcastle United are reportedly seeking to further reinforce their flanks by signing Bayer Leverkusen full-back, Mitchel Bakker.
According to Daily Mail, Premier League big-spenders Newcastle United, are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker in the January transfer window.
The Magpies have already tabled a bid worth £14.5 million to sign the 21-year-old and remain intent on landing the Dutchman this month. He came through the youth academy at Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. Bakker spent two years at Parc des Prices before moving to the BayArena last year.
He has since made 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side, scoring one goal and assisting three more in the process. Still just 21, Bakker is far from the finished article and could develop into a dependable left-back in the years to come. Having signed the player for around £8 million last summer, Bayer Leverkusen stand to make a quick profit on the Dutchman.
As things stand, the omens look good for the Magpies. The Bundesliga giants are open to a deal, while the player is also interested in switching to Newcastle. The youngster is represented by super-agent Mino Raiola, who recognizes a golden goose when he sees one.
Newcastle are hoping to land Bakker in the coming days as they look to end the season on a high. The Tyneside club has won just one game in the Premier League this season and are currently just one spot off the bottom of the league standings.
A major reason for their struggles has been an unreliable backline that has made it a habit of leaking goals. Newcastle have recognised the need to improve their defensive unit and are taking steps to do just that this month. They have already landed Kieran Trippier, who is now a sure start in the right-back slot.
With Bakker also potentially joining the ranks soon in a £14.5 million deal, the Magpies could have two full-backs who can rain down crosses for target man Chris Wood. It is certainly an approach that Newcastle could take to improve their goalscoring return.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs on potential centre-back signings. Benoit Badiashile, James Tarkowski and Nico Schlotterbeck have all been linked with a move to St. James’ Park, while the club has also made a bid for Sevilla star Diego Carlos. It is fair to say that the Magpies could take to the field in February sporting a new-look back four.
