A major update has emerged in Newcastle United's attempts to sign Bayer Leverkusen beast Mitchel Bakker...

What's the talk?

According to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, the Magpies have agreed a deal in principle with the Bundesliga club as they close in on their third signing of the window.

The report claims that they are now poised to discuss personal terms with the full-back, as Eddie Howe looks to add to the two signings he has already made this month in Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier.

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope claimed over the weekend that he is valued at £16m by Leverkusen, although the exact figure Newcastle have now agreed for Bakker remains to be seen.

Delight

Newcastle fans will be delighted with this news for several reasons.

Firstly, it suggests that the club's third signing of the window is not a million miles away as PIF have been able to agree a fee with the German outfit, which shows that they are working hard behind the scenes to get things completed.

 

Supporters will also be happy with the club's efforts to bolster Howe's squad, with this news making it clear that bids are going in and negotiations are happening as the window progresses.

They want to add to the team to improve their chances of avoiding relegation and the signing of Bakker could be a strong step in their journey to doing so.

The left-back position has been a big problem for the ex-Bournemouth head coach this season and the Dutchman could come in and nail down the role.

Paul Dummett started at left-back in the 1-0 win over Leeds and was dribbled past twice, whilst losing 50% of his ground duels, before being taken off with an injury - with Jamal Lewis also having been out since the 16th of December.

Bakker has played 13 times in the Bundesliga for Leverkusen this season and featured in 26 Ligue 1 matches for PSG last term, showing that - at the very least - he is reliable in terms of his availability. He has also made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game in the German top-flight, whilst registering one goal and three assists.

This suggests that he could add an extra attacking dimension to Newcastle's side along with being a strong defender who can step in and win the ball back for his side.

Therefore, fans will be delighted to read that the club have agreed a deal for him.

AND in other news, Howe plotting late NUFC swoop for "outstanding" £61k-p/w beast, fans will be amazed...