Opinion

Premier League attacker may have just cost himself a transfer to Newcastle United

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Newcastle United are interested in a lot of Bournemouth players, including Justin Kluivert.

Having signed Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth last summer, Eddie Howe is once again toying with the idea of raiding his former club.

Newcastle are interested in Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, with centre-back seen as a priority.

Elsewhere, Antoine Semenyo is a Newcastle target as the Magpies aim to add a new winger to their squad.

But Newcastle have discussed signing Justin Kluviert too, having seen the Dutchman enjoy the best season of his career. The 26-year-old has 21 goal contributions this season, with four of them coming in a 4-1 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Arsenal FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Justin Kluivert outlines his best position

While Newcastle United have seen first hand what Kluivert is capable of and have discussed a possible swoop for him, a bid may suddenly not make much sense.

That is because Kluivert has outlined his favourite position during an interview with BBC Sport.

“I started as a left winger,” he said.

“I would always say that’s my position, where I always played. He saw that I could play as an attacking midfielder.

“He changed that. That helped me in my career, and also the team and the club. He is a great coach. He sees things differently and I’m thankful for that.

“I think so [it’s my best position]. I think this is the position I always had to be playing. Sometimes it comes directly. Sometimes it is later in a career, like mine.”

What Newcastle United want to sign this summer

Kluivert is now adamant that attacking midfield is his best position thanks to Andoni Iraola.

That is not something that Newcastle United utilise, with Howe pretty much always using a 4-3-3 formation.

While the Magpies could benefit from a central player who can unlock defences, it feels unlikely that one will arrive this summer.

That is because Newcastle want to strengthen in three positions. They are centre-back, right wing and goalkeeper. On top of that, Howe would like to sign another striker to compete with Alexander Isak.

Despite improving their PSR position, the Magpies still have concerns over their budget. That is why Newcastle are fearful about signing Bryan Mbeumo.

With that in mind, it would be strange to see Paul Mitchell splash out on a player who has openly admitted that he does not suit Howe’s system.