Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up a fresh summer move for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze.
The cash-rich Magpies made a statement during the January transfer window by making as many as five additions to their squad. Manager Eddie Howe was keen to bring in more players last month to aid the club’s bid in avoiding the drop this term.
According to The Sun, Newcastle United plan to make a £45million bid for Eberechi Eze after having a loan move with an option or obligation to buy rejected by Crystal Palace in January. The Toon Army had offered the Eagles £5m to sign their creative midfielder on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a £35m permanent transfer at the end of the campaign, the report adds.
Eberechi Eze, 23, has had a frustrating campaign so far with Crystal Palace. He has failed to re-establish himself in Patrick Vieira’s side after recovering from a serious Achilles injury, managing only five league appearances to date.
It remains to be seen how many games Eze plays for the Eagles between now and until the end of the season, with Newcastle set to renew their interest in the player when the transfer window reopens.
Eberechi Eze to Newcastle—Should the Magpies make a summer swoop?
Newcastle United have been a resurgent side in the last couple of weeks, winning three Premier League games on the bounce to move out of the dreaded relegation zone. The new arrivals have made a telling impact, especially Kieran Trippier, and while there is still a long way to go in the season, Eddie Howe’s army have gained a major grip in the battle for survival.
Perhaps, the renewed confidence and energy within Howe’s squad to avoid relegation has seen the wealthy Toon Army already start making plans for the future. And they are keen on reigniting their interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze after missing out on him in January.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Eze can also operate down the left or as an advanced 8 in a three-man midfield. The 23-year-old is a fast, creative and intelligent footballer with great dribbling skills and passing technique. He can keep hold of the ball in the tightest of areas, dribble past players with utmost comfort before making a telling pass in the final third.
Eze has found game time hard to come by since returning from a nasty ankle problem, and at 23, he needs to play regularly to fulfil his massive potential. Should Newcastle come up with an offer in the summer, the lure of playing in front of a packed St. James’ Park may be hard to ignore for the Palace midfielder, regardless of their current plight.
