Craig Hope has now revealed some worrying Newcastle United transfer news involving Mitchel Bakker.
The Lowdown: Ongoing saga
Bakker has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park throughout the January transfer window so far, with Hope recently reporting himself that there is still hope that a deal can be done for £16m, so long as Bayer Leverkusen can find a replacement.
The Magpies have conceded the second-most goals in the league this season (43 in 21 games), so they could certainly do with making more additions in defence after the capture of Kieran Trippier.
However, with the clock ticking quickly, and Transfer Deadline Day on Monday, the North East club may now have to look at other targets.
The Latest: Bakker update
Hope has given an update on the Tyneside outfit’s hopes of signing Bakker, claiming that a deal is now ‘unlikely’:
“I’m told Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker is now probably unlikely.”
The Verdict: Worrying
It is certainly worrying that a deal for Bakker now looks unlikely with so little of the window remaining.
A player who is equally as comfortable as a central defender as well as left-back, the Magpies could have killed two birds with one stone by signing him, and after Diego Carlos fell through, the search for defensive reinforcements is now getting desperate.
This one is a real shame too, as at 21 years of age, Bakker has so much potential, and he has all of the qualities needed for a modern day full-back. Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller describes him as someone who has ‘pace and strength’ as well as ‘footballing ability’ (via The Chronicle).
In other news, find out who NUFC are now moving to sign here!