Newcastle interested in signing Merlin Röhl - Report

Transfer speculation continues to swirl as Newcastle United are linked with a summer move for another overseas talent.

13 names were revealed as players of interest by The Telegraph's Luke Edwards last month, headed by the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Jonathan David, but another option has now emerged, according to reports in Germany today.

Newcastle have had a season to remember regardless of their league finish after finally ending their long-standing trophy drought, but investment within the squad is needed this summer to carry us into the next phase.

Three frustrating windows dominated by PSR problems have passed without significant improvements to the first team, however, that seems set to change when the window reopens with Eddie Howe’s squad set to be strengthened in several departments.

Newcastle eyeing Bundesliga talent?

According to reports in Germany, Newcastle United have joined a growing list of Premier League clubs eyeing a summer move for Freiburg's Merlin Röhl.

This comes from Bild, who state that Newcastle, Liverpool and Crystal Palace are all keen on the 22-year-old, who has been capped nine times for Germany's U21s, scoring twice.

Röhl stands at 6’3” and has played across a range of positions this season, something no doubt of interest to Eddie Howe. Primarily utilised as a No. 10, Röhl is a powerful runner who has also operated in central midfield and on both flanks. 

Utility man helpful for next season?

Not a megastar midfield signing ala Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes who would instantly boost the quality of our starting 11, Röhl could be a useful utility man to have within the squad next season.

Elliot Anderson departed last summer and it seems likely Sean Longstaff will follow his fellow Geordie out the exit door this year. With that in mind, a midfielder who can cover multiple positions, especially with European football and an increased fixture list next season, makes quite a bit of sense.

However, with that being said, an addition to the midfield is probably a low priority unless we can snatch a bargain. As it stands our highest priorities appear to be a right-sided forward, right-sided centre-back, goalkeeper and striker.

If all those are secured and we still have room to maneuver within our budget then Röhl, or a midfielder of a similar profile, could make perfect sense to be next on the wishlist. 

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