Top journalist claims Newcastle have opened discussions to sign £50m target

With the signing of a new centre back high on Newcastle’s priority list this summer, it’s seems the club is looking to act quickly and decisively in negotiations with potential targets.

In contrast with the slow, drawn-out pursuit of Marc Guehi last summer, it seems we’re attempting to move quickly over another domestic centre-back target.

With Dean Huijsen expected to have a number of offers this summer as his £50m release clause becomes aftsr, we’re wasting no time in showing our intent…

Newcastle make early move over £50m target

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle are understood to be one of a number of top clubs who have met with Dean Huijsen’s representatives over a potential transfer.

Ornstein describes us having a “keen” interest in securing the 19-year-old’s signature, having been one of the breakout players in this year’s Premier League.

With the likes of Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles all in the twilight of their Toon careers, and European football guaranteed on Tyneside next season, we stand out as a very appealing prospect not just to Huijsen, but surely to any aspiring top defender on the continent too.

Who else is interested?

In his weekly Q&A column, Ornstein reveals that we are not the only club wanting to sign the Spanish international, with a number of ‘big six’ rivals in the mix.

He states, ‘Liverpool are among the clubs with a firm interest in Dean Huijsen. This has been reported elsewhere and is accurate. Chelsea have enquired and Arsenal are in the mix, too.’  Tottenham, like Newcastle, have also made contact.

Ever-looming in the background is Real Madrid, where Huijsen himself has expressed how flattered he is that Los Blancos want to sign him.

After some poor defensive displays in recent weeks, a defensive rebuild may be necessary at the Bernabeu, and there’s perhaps no better sell in football than being offered the chance to play at Real Madrid.

‘Swift outcome’ wanted and why we could stand out

Ornstein has added that both Huijsen and Bournemouth are seeking a ‘swift outcome’ to any negotiations, with the Cherries having a £50m release clause in their defender’s contract.

Given the level of competition, Champions League football will surely be an absolute non-negotiable if we are to stand out to the player, but the current defender situation at the Toon must be factored in.

With Virgil Van Dijk widely tipped to extend his current deal at Liverpool, Huijsen may be looking at another two seasons before a starting spot. The depth of defensive options at Arsenal and Chelsea may also leave Huijsen vying for minutes with too many players.

This is where Newcastle can truly appeal: a focus on young defenders, an exciting project, working under a coach like Eddie Howe, and a starting position waiting to be made his: for the sake of his career, Dean Huijsen and his entourage could seriously see Newcastle as an deal destination for the defender.