According to The Chronicle, former Newcastle left-back Jetro Willems would be open to a return to St James' Park.

What's the story?

The Netherlands international signed for the Magpies on a season-long loan in the summer of 2019, and after producing some flashes of brilliance, including a thunderous strike away at Liverpool, saw his campaign cut short by a knee injury.

Willems is only just closing on a return to full fitness, and with his contract at Eintracht Frankfurt coming to an end once this season is over, could be available on a free transfer.

The Chronicle claims that the left-back could even be available for a nominal fee in January when Newcastle might assess their options, and that Willems himself is open to the idea of making a return to Tyneside.

Nightmare for Bruce

Whilst Willems was a regular starter for Steve Bruce last season, making 19 appearances in the Premier League, a knee injury like the one he is recovering from just puts a major question mark over any potential move for him.

The Dutchman has yet to play a competitive game since going off injured against Manchester City, and until the Magpies see him at least get up and running at Frankfurt, they shouldn't even consider spending any money on a transfer fee and/or wages in trying to sign him.

Former Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat also raised questions about his defending, saying that he "does crazy things too often". Jamal Lewis has proven himself to be a superb summer signing, and is the undisputed number one left-back at St James' Park.

The £3.5m-rated Willems would have to settle for a place as his back-up, and with his lack of fitness at the moment, it just doesn't make sense for Newcastle to go after him right now.