An update has emerged regarding Newcastle's interest in Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp.
What's the talk?
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in a deal to sign the 20-year-old on loan before the end of the month.
The report claims that the Magpies have identified him as a midfield target, but Spurs are yet to make their mind up over whether or not they want to send him out on loan. Newly-promoted Norwich are also hoping to bring him back for a second season at Carrow Road.
Bye-bye Hayden
Southampton have been linked with a deal for Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden this summer, and it could be time for the Magpies to wave bye-bye to the former Arsenal man and dip into the transfer market to find a replacement for him.
Skipp could be that man. The 20-year-old enjoyed a sensational year on loan at Norwich in the Championship last season as he helped the Canaries win the title. In 45 appearances, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.90, highlighting his quality and consistency throughout the campaign. He was also named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year alongside ex-Newcastle duo Tim Krul and Adam Armstrong.
The England under-21 international made 3.8 tackles, interceptions and blocks per game, whilst also completing 1.2 key passes and dribbles per match. This shows that he is adept at getting from box to box and making an impact at both ends of the pitch.
Norwich head coach Daniel Farke admitted at the end of last season that the Canaries are not able to afford a permanent move for the midfielder, whilst labeling him a "perfect lad".
He told The Pink Un: “We would never be able to sign a highly-rated player like Oliver Skipp. Not on a permanent deal. It would be an unbelievable amount of money for our club.
“When you bring young players from the best clubs in the world there is always a risk.
“We saw the potential, we looked into his character a lot and we knew he would be fully convinced to give everything, not thinking I don’t need to work to prove I am the best in my position.
“Oliver is a perfect lad. So humble. He is a brilliant loan signing.”
The £24k-per-week powerhouse has barely been tested at Premier League level, but his statistics in the Championship were excellent and Farke's comments show that he rates the youngster very highly. Therefore, the 20-year-old could be a superb signing for Newcastle if he is able to translate his performances across to the top flight, making him a potentially perfect replacement for Hayden if the latter departs for the south coast.
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