Midfield looks like the area in which Newcastle United are going to look to strengthen this summer.
Scott McTominay and Conor Gallagher continue to be linked with a move to the club as Eddie Howe looks to beef up his options in the middle of the park.
Indeed, Howe has admitted he did not want Jonjo Shelvey to leave in January, such are the lack of bodies available there currently.
Now, a new name has been linked.
Newcastle could move for Kerem Demirbay at bargain price
According to Sky Deutschland, Newcastle have monitored a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kerem Demirbay.
The 29-year-old is reportedly likely to leave his club this summer for a fee of around £3.5m-£4.3m.
An experienced option in midfield, the Germany international is only under contract for another year, which perhaps explains the relatively low fee.
The report suggests Newcastle have made contact over a move, although Hertha Berlin and Fiorentina are also thought to have been keen.
Who is Kerem Demirbay?
The Bundesliga’s official website describes the player as “capable of befuddling opposition defenders and goalkeepers with his incisive left boot”, as well as praising his “pinpoint passing ability.”
Across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year, the former Hoffenheim man ranks among the leading 83% of central midfielders for passes attempted (66.62) and assists (0.16) per game. In fact FBREF’s player comparison tool suggests his playing style bares a resemblance to a certain Bruno Guimaraes.
There’s also a link to two current Newcastle players. Indeed, Demirbay and Joelinton played for Hoffenheim together on 26 occasions, combining for one goal, as well as two games alongside Fabian Schar.
Hailed as “exceptional” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen in May 2018, he’d certainly have familiar faces to arrive to at Newcastle.
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