Exclusive: Paul Robinson claims Newcastle in 'pole position' to sign wide man

Paul Robinson insisted Danny Rose is in "pole position" to be handed a permanent deal at Newcastle United this summer ahead of fellow wide man Jetro Willems.

The former England number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed the arrival of the England international on loan 'does not bode well' for the Holland left-back.

Rose, 29, signed on a sixth-month deal in January and has been used on the left flank by Steve Bruce, including at left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Willems has been sidelined since mid-January after rupturing his cruciate ligament in the home win against Chelsea.

The 26-year-old arrived on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and the Magpies hold the option to make the deal permanent.

Robinson suggested Steve Bruce would only be afforded to sign one of the loanees.

"I think Danny Rose is in pole position at the moment," he told Football Insider.

"It depends on whether Willems can get back fit. He was doing well before he got injured, got a couple of decent goals and was playing regularly. Then Danny Rose came in which did not bode well for him. It is up in the air when the season finishes and how long this break is going to be.

"A decision will be made but I suspect it will be one or the other. Steve Bruce will not take both. However, if the Danny Rose deal is not concluded the deal for Willems becomes possible."

Willems will hope he can make a return to fitness before the season resumes, with all fixtures currently suspended with the UK in lockdown amid the coronavirus crisis.

In other Newcastle United news, Paul Robinson has told Football Insider Steve Bruce is in danger of losing forward to West Brom this summer.