Sources: Newcastle make approach to sign 24-year-old next month

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Published on:

24 Dec 2018, 6:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Newcastle have made an approach to sign Dutch defender Jetro Willems in the January window, Football Insider sources understand.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is in the market for a new left-back when the transfer window reopens next month and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willems is among his top targets.

Left-back has been a problematic position for Newcastle for some time with Paul Dummett the only recognised left-back in the first-team squad at St James' Park.

Italian side AS Roma are also interested in Willems as they look to strengthen their left-back options having also been linked with Crystal Palace's Patrick van Aaanholt recently.

Willems joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2017 and he has impressed since joining the Bundesliga club.

The 24-year-old came to the fore during a six-year spell at PSV Eindhoven and has attracted the interest of a number of Premier League clubs in the past.

Benitez is determined to strengthen his squad during the transfer window as he looks to lead them away from trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table and he is hoping to get the backing to either make a move for Willems on loan or on a permanent basis.

In other news, it can be REVEALED the club are plotting a move to sign a Leeds United sensation.

Newcastle United