Newcastle could acquire a dream upgrade on Fabian Schar by signing Vitesse starlet Danilho Doekhi.

What's the story?

The Magpies have endured another difficult season in the Premier League defensively, conceding 56 goals in their 34 games thus far - only Southampton, and the bottom two sides West Brom and Sheffield United have let in more.

Now, Dutch publication De Telegraaf claim that Steve Bruce's side are keen on reinforcing the centre of defence this summer, and are eyeing up a potential move for 22-year-old Doekhi.

The report adds that the centre-back has just one year left on his contract with Vitesse, and that the Eredivisie side will be under pressure to sell him unless he signs an extension at the club.

Upgrade on Fabian Schar

After getting himself sent off after coming on as a substitute against Arsenal, Fabian Schar pretty much underlined the problems the Magpies have faced at the back this season - some poor, reckless individual mistakes, and collectively disorganised too (the fact only three sides have conceded more than them in the Premier League is evidence of that).

But in Doekhi, Bruce could find someone who is as solid as a rock, and has got the defensive discipline that they desperately need at the back.

Vitesse manager Thomas Letsch dubbed him "one of the best defenders" in the league, and waxed lyrical about the kind of progress he has made at the club, saying: "Danilho is a class player, a great player, for us. He already played fantastic last year and this season he has performed every game at the highest level. Danilho makes almost no mistakes and is an absolute team player, a very calm player. Although he can be emotional, but he has developed in that area as well."

And, when you compare Doekhi's stats to Schar's this season, then you can see why the Magpies are very interested in signing him this summer.

As per Whoscored, the 6 foot 3 Dutchman averages far more tackles and interceptions per game than Schar, and commits less fouls and gets dribbled past far few times than the Newcastle man too.

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That's not to mention the 22-year-old is also superior when it comes to his work on the ball, which has always been lauded as one of Schar's biggest strengths. Doekhi averages more passes and at a better accuracy compared to the Swiss ace, and appears to be the kind of ball-playing centre-back who should fit in well in the modern game.

Doekhi is just stronger across the board compared to Schar, and given that he "makes almost no mistakes" too, appears like the sort of central defender Newcastle need.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a summer move for this Championship star...