Newcastle United player left out of squad versus Aston Villa set for summer exit
A Newcastle United defender is said to be the subject of a transfer battle between Championship rivals Swansea City and Watford.
Swansea City could hand Jamal Lewis an opportunity to end the uncertainty over his future at Newcastle United.
The Northern Ireland international was the subject of interest from Watford over the last week and it is believed the Hornets are hoping to take Lewis on a season-long loan. However, the Sunday Mirror’s Darren Witcoop has now claimed Swansea are ready to battle their Championship rivals to secure the signature of the Magpies left-back.
It seems increasingly likely Lewis will be allowed to depart St James Park this summer and Eddie Howe recently suggested his future on Tyneside is unclear. He said: “The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see. His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that. He’s someone we value and believe. As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year.”
Lewis is not said to be the Swans’ preferred option as they consider a move for Werder Bremen defender Lee Buchanan. The German club have given some encouragement over a move after sporting director Frank Baumann would allow the former Derby County man to depart but only after they are able to sign a replacement.
He told DeichStube: “In his home country, Lee has a good reputation. There are always clubs from England that show interest in him, even these days. We still believe that Lee can be interesting for us in terms of sport or business. After the injuries to Mitchell Weiser and Felix Agu, we can’t give up another winger without a replacement being signed first.”
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BBC Sport mentions Rangers alongside £2.5m Championship striker
BBC Sport have mentioned Rangers as potentially being an interested party in new Swansea City striker Jerry Yates before his move to Wales from Blackpool.
In a report which quotes the 26-year-old forward, the national broadcaster namedrops Rangers specifically as potential Jerry Yates suitors.
As things transpired, the striker would move to Swansea in a £2.5m deal this summer following Blackpool’s relegation to League One at the end of last season.
Whilst quoting an interview the striker did with BBC Wales, BBC Sport suggest that Rangers were keen Jerry Yates suitors alongside a host of Championship sides.
Speaking to the broadcaster, the striker claims that he’s happy with the move to Swansea and reckons his tireless style will suit their possession-based game.
“Playing against them in the last two seasons caused me nightmares,” Yates said. “So if you can’t beat them, join them.”
BBC Sport mention Rangers alongside Jerry Yates
Rangers have been extensively linked with a move for Yates since the management of Steven Gerrard, with the links reappearing heading into the summer window.
Back in April, there were claims that Rangers scouted Jerry Yates amid a run of explosive form with Blackpool, the striker’s 14 Championship goals last season not enough to prevent the Seasiders’ relegation.
However, it appears the Ibrox side’s attentions have been firmly elsewhere in this window with the club backing Michael Beale in the transfer market with regards the forward line.
Having already secured the signings of Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers, Rangers are also moving for Brazilian striker Danilo following the summer exits of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.
With all due respect to Jerry Yates, who is a solid addition for Swansea, Rangers are shopping in a different market and let’s hope the decision not to pursue any interest pays off in the seasons to come.
