Leeds United have reportedly joined Ipswich Town in the race to secure a deadline-day move for Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United have received late interest in Paul Dummett ahead of tonight’s 11 pm deadline, with Championship automatic promotion hopefuls Leeds United and Ipswich Town both jostling for the veteran defender’s signature.
It appears that Newcastle United will have no incomings on transfer deadline day, although there is always the possibility of outgoings, as has been the case throughout the window. There will be no big names leaving, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson all set to stay on Tyneside despite speculation over their future.
However, a move away should hopefully be on the cards for fringe defensive midfielder Isaac Hayden. There also continue to be rumours about Jamaal Lascelles heading to Turkey, and now another Newcastle United defender is attracting interest, with Leeds United and Ipswich Town courting Paul Dummett.
The 32-year-old may be on the fringes of Eddie Howe’s side these days. But he is a key leader in the dressing room and a long-serving player. Since coming through the youth ranks, the former Wales international has played 209 times for the Magpies across all competitions.
However, the left-back has only played 43 games across all competitions for his boyhood club since the 2019/20 season. And while it appears he is content with what he is currently doing, it would make sense for Dummett to play regular football again at this stage of his career.
He has managed just two starts all season — both in the Cup — and has had just four minutes of Premier League action. He was outstanding in the victories over Manchester City and Manchester United in the Magpies’ run to the quarter-finals in the EFL Cup. With Newcastle now only competing on two fronts, it is difficult to see Dummett featuring much more this season.
The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer. So, this may be the Magpies’ last chance to get a nominal fee. Having said that, it won’t be a surprise if the Toon decide to block the 32-year-old’s exit right now.
With no apt replacement ready, there would not be much benefit of letting him leave unless the player himself pushes for a move away from St. James’ Park. Howe seems to value his experience, leadership skills, and attitude behind the scenes, while he can still provide cover at both centre-back and left-back positions.
