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Newcastle joins Leeds in pursuit of PL attacker - reports
By Russell Edge
Newcastle have joined Championship sides Leeds United and Hull City in the pursuit of Liverpool attacker Ryan Kent, according to a report.
The Yorkshire Post claim that the trio of clubs are all keen on securing a loan deal for the 20-year-old, who is said to not be in Jurgen Klopp’s plans for the first team this summer.
However, the Magpies could face a battle to secure his signature, with Leeds having been reported to have had an offer accepted, while Hull are said to be the favourites to capture the Liverpool starlet.
The versatile attacker, who can play on either wing or up front as a striker, spent last season on loan at Championship side Barnsley, making 47 appearances across all competitions but managed to score just three goals and provide another three assists.
He has one game under his belt for Liverpool, in an FA Cup victory over Exeter City at the beginning of 2016, starting on the right-wing in a youthful Reds side.
Kent is also an England Under-20 international with six caps to his name, although the last of those came during an international friendly with France back in November 2015.
Football Insider verdict:
A move for Kent seems like an odd one for Newcastle and Rafael Benitez, who already has four wide players at his disposal following the arrival of Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu this summer. He would not be given the guaranteed first team football Liverpool are likely to be seeking to aid his development, and it would be a real surprise if the North East side managed to capture the 20-year-old ahead of Championship clubs Leeds and Hull. However, his arrival would add depth to the squad at St James’ Park, and he would likely find playing time in the cup competitions as Benitez rotates his first team stars to ensure they are fit and ready for their Premier League challenge.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the club are said to be eyeing up a move for a Championship starlet this summer.
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