Newcastle fans 'would love' £12m ace who 'ticks all the boxes' at St James' Park

Newcastle United target Thorgan Hazard ‘ticks all the boxes’ as he would improve Eddie Howe’s squad and be loved at St James’ Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Magpies head coach Howe, who was appointed last November, is eager to see the Borussia Dortmund winger head to Tyneside and become his second summer signing after tying Matt Targett down to a permanent deal.

According to German media outlet Bild, Newcastle are closing in on the acquisition of Hazard as Howe continues to seek reinforcements.

The report suggests Dortmund are looking to cash-in on the 45-cap Belgium international and recoup £12million after Hazard made it clear he is looking to boost his wages to in the region of £6million-per-year.

Offering that pay package will not be difficult for Newcastle, who became the richest club in world football after the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund led a £305million takeover last October.

Hazard’s current Dortmund deal, which is worth £79,000-per-week, is due to expire in the summer of 2024.

Should he head to St James’ Park, it would be the 29-year-old’s second taste of English football having previously been on Chelsea’s books, although he failed to make a single senior appearance for the west Londoners.

O’Rourke believes Newcastle should pounce for Hazard amid uncertainty over his long-term future at Dortmund thanks to wage demands.

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The journalist feels the wide-man would prove to be a major asset for Howe’s side as he looks to take the club to a new level following last year’s change of ownership.

He also reckons Hazard would be adored by the Magpies supporters, making a potential summer deal a no-brainer.

O’Rourke told