Newcastle United are reportedly one of multiple clubs ‘keeping track’ of Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell.
That’s according to the Sun, who state that Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.
The 22-year-old is having a brilliant season at Selhurst Park, starting every Premier League game for Patrick Vieira’s side. He’s also played a part in Palace’s impressive cup run, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
His form has caught the attention of multiple clubs, and Gareth Southgate. Mitchell has been rewarded with his first England callup.
The left-back is certainly an exciting prospect with a bright future, but he’s not the man Newcastle should be looking to sign this summer.
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Matt Targett is the only left-back Newcastle need
The Magpies were in the market for a left-back on deadline day, and got one in the shape of Matt Targett.
The 26-year-old joined Newcastle on loan until the end of the season from Aston Villa. He’s had an excellent start to life in the North East, raising questions on why Steven Gerrard allowed him to leave.
But Villa’s loss in Newcastle’s gain, and Targett has fitted in seamlessly at St James’ Park. Hopefully he becomes a permanent Magpie in the summer.
There’s a good chance, with Newcastle already agreeing a fee with Villa. According to the Chronicle, Eddie Howe’s side will only have to pay £15million to land Targett permanently.
That would be an excellent piece of business, and sums up why we should prioritise him over Mitchell.
While Mitchell is excellent, he will command a much bigger fee. Palace got £50million for Aaron Wan Bissaka in 2019, and you’d imagine they’d want a similar figure for their latest academy product.
With reports that Newcastle might not be mega spenders this summer, they might need to be shrewd in the transfer market.
Therefore, a permanent move for the much cheaper Targett makes sense. Yes, he is four years older. But he’s already settled into this Newcastle team and has proven he can be a success in black and white.
Newcastle need to sign a left-back this summer, and it has to be Targett.