Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign highly-rated T0ttenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp.
According to Daily Mail, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is a huge admirer of the 20-year-old central midfielder and could push for a move this summer.
Skipp spent the last season on loan at Norwich City and played a major role in their Championship triumph. The England U-21 international was a mainstay in Norwich’s midfield, making 47 appearances in all competitions.
Tottenham believe that Skipp has a bright future at the club, but they are open to letting him leave on loan in order to further his development.
Oliver Skipp signed a new three-year deal with Spurs last year and is contracted to the London club until 2024.
Oliver Skipp: A good prospect?
Newcastle United desperately need reinforcements in midfield if they are to avoid another relegation battle next season. Newcastle’s current central midfield options are Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff and Jeff Hendrick, none of whom inspire much confidence.
The club are yet to make a major signing in the transfer window and time is running out for Steve Bruce. Newcastle are being linked with moves for Joe Willock and Aaron Ramsey, but a deal has not yet come to fruition and they might be forced to instead step up their pursuit of Oliver Skipp.
The 20-year-old is a defensive midfielder with excellent technical ability and a fantastic passing range. He likes to control the tempo of the game by dropping deep, collecting the ball from his defenders and then spreading the play. He primarily keeps his passes short, but he has the ability to spot runs and float balls over the top to his strikers.
Last season, he averaged over 55 passes per game with a success rate of 88%. He also completed 2.4 long balls and made 0.6 key passes every 90 minutes.
He is also adept at breaking up attacks with strong tackles and clever interceptions. He averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game for Norwich City in the league last campaign.
Skipp will add plenty of energy, tenacity and dynamism to the Newcastle midfield and Bruce should prioritize a move for the talented youngster. Failing to move with conviction for yet another target might leave the club to rue the missed opportunities ahead of a season which is expected to be the most competitive Premier League campaign in a long time.
