Newcastle in bidding war as three Premier League clubs make defender enquiry - report
By Coral Barry
Newcastle defender Paul Dummett is wanted by three Premier League clubs, according to a report.
Dummett's recent career at Newcastle has been continually interrupted by serious injuries, but the left-back is attracting the attentions of Stoke, West Brom and Crystal Palace.
The 24-year-old returned to the Newcastle starting line-up in April, but could not reverse the Magpies' decline and save them from relegation into the Championship.
The Newcastle Chronicle claim that West Brom have already made enquiries about Dummett and their interest will be followed up by Stoke and Palace in the coming weeks.
Newcastle have not made it known if they would be willing to part ways with the Welshman, but are in a comfortable position because Dummett recently signed a new long-term deal.
However, it is believed that the Magpies could be convinced to cash in on the defender with top flight clubs scrambling to meet the FA's homegrown rules.
Every Premier League club must have at least eight players who have come through an English academy in their squad and it is said Newcastle could spark a bidding war for Dummett, who emerged through their own youth ranks.
Dummett is not thought to be angling for a move away happy to stay at St James' Park and help the Magpies in their quest to ensure their stay in the Championship is short-lived.
The defender could be an excellent option for either of the three clubs interested as a homegrown player and a reliable one.
Newcastle did not lose a single match in the last six games of the season, which coincided with Dummett's return to the team.
Dummett is also expected to head to the European Championships with Wales in the summer after a good end to his campaign, performance wise.
Wales included the defender in their 29-man provisional squad earlier this month and is set to jet out to Portugal for their training camp, before facing Sweden on June 5.