RMC Sport has reported that Olympique Lyonnais are struggling to reach a new deal for defender Jason Denayer. Newcastle United have been linked with the Belgian defender according to Het Nieuwsblad.
The Magpies were linked with lots of centre-back throughout the January transfer window. By deadline day they were able to sign Dan Burn from Brighton for £13million per Sky Sports. However, it appears the club are still pursuing more centre-back options.
This would make sense as there’s a lack of quality at the back. There’s been improvement but the Toon will hope they can bring in and let go some centre-backs this summer to improve their depth.
Some fans may remember Denayer from his Sunderland days, but he’s come a long way since then
Denayer started his professional career at Manchester City in 2014. During his time there some fans will remember that he had a loan spell at Sunderland the season they were last in the Premier League.
The now 26-year-old struggled in a season where the Black Cats finished bottom of the league under David Moyes. He played alongside current Newcastle ace Javi Manquillo at the Stadium of Light.
After another loan spell in Turkey with Galatasaray, Denayer completed a permanent move to Lyon in 2018.
The Belgian has vastly improved since the relegation season with Sunderland. He’s been a regular for both Lyon and for his national side Belgium.
His contract runs out at the end of this season, which would mean the Magpies could get him for absolutely nothing. Considering he’s playing for top sides at club and international level it would be a bargain.
Should Newcastle avoid the drop this season, a big summer spending spree will likely be on the horizon. However, they certainly wouldn’t say no to a proven player for free.
Don’t let the connotation to Sunderland’s last season in the Premier League fool you, Denayer is a much better player now. The Toon should keep tabs on him; he would improve the quality of depth in the centre-back position.