Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Jason Knight.
According to the Irish Examiner, the midfield could soon be on the move with the Magpies and also Burnley taking an interest.
Knight has been with Derby since 2017, when he moved over to the club’s academy from Cabinteely.
Knight, 20, is a highly promising young player, and already has seven caps for the Republic or Ireland.
At the moment, he’s on the sidelines injured after Derby boss Wayne Rooney slipped and caught him in pre-season training.
He’s currently sporting a protective boot.
Before accidentally injuring him, Rooney had spoken very highly of Knight.
He told Rams TV in 2019: “I’ve been really impressed with the way they’ve trained, particularly Knighty. His energy, his attitude.
“He almost reminds me of myself when I was younger in terms of no fear. And he’s got an aggression about him, not in terms of how he’s tackling, but in terms of how he runs, how he gets about the pitch.
“I’m looking forward to see how they do as I feel he can give us a lot of energy and a lot of creativity.”
Derby are under financial pressure, which might open the door for Newcastle.
Knight would be a good addition
Knight has big potential and if Newcastle were to win the race to sign him then that should be welcomed.
Given Derby’s predicament there is potential for Newcastle to pick up a real bargain.
Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny described Knight as ‘a terrific young player’ (The Sun), so hopefully Newcastle can make a successful play.
Given the new Premier League season is now right around the corner, the club have simply got to get moving.
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