Newcastle academy product is being lined up by PL rivals – report
By Derek Smithson
Newcastle defender Paul Dummett has emerged as a target for Stoke, according to a report.
The Chronicle claim that Premier League side Stoke are weighing up a bid for the 25-year-old, who has become an important first-team player for the Magpies since graduating from their academy.
It is understood that Mark Hughes’ side have been monitoring the left-back and are aiming to bolster their squad this summer to improve their 13th-placed league finish from last year.
The report details Newcastle would only agree to sell the defender if they first signed a replacement and would demand a big fee for their long-serving player.
Dummett has made 121 senior appearances for the north-east club and has risen through their ranks as a youngster.
The full-back is now considered a very important part of the senior set-up and he helped the side win the Championship title last season.
He made 46 appearances across all competitions and was an ever-present in Rafael Benitez’s starting line-up.
Football Insider verdict:
Dummett is a product of the club’s academy and it would be disappointing to see him leave, especially after his performances last season. The left-back was one of the most reliable players in the team and played a big role in their return to the Premier League. He is clearly liked by manager Benitez and can do a very solid job out wide. Dummett has made 66 appearances in the Premier League before and the two-time capped Wales international does deserve another crack in the top flight. However, he failed to register a single goal or an assists last season and that is an area he should look to improve on.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the club have had a bid rejected for a Championship midfielder.
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