Newcastle transfer news: Magpies have held talks over deal for £16m star

According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, 'there have been talks' between Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer of defender Mitchel Bakker. 

Eddie Howe has already added Kieran Trippier to his frail backline, but it seems as though the new manager is keen to add further reinforcements during the January transfer window. 

The Daily Mail's North East football correspondent Craig Hope revealed last week that a move for Bakker was on the cards after Leverkusen made it clear they were prepared to sell the 21-year-old.

However, it then appeared as though the prospective deal was dead after Newcastle backed away from negotiations on Monday as they did not believe the player was interested in making the move. 

But a recent report from Sky Sports has claimed talks are back on between the Magpies and the Bundesliga outfit, with Leverkusen set to demand £16 million for their first-choice left-back. 

Any deal may hinge on Gerardo Seoane's charges being able to secure a replacement, though, meaning discussions could continue until Deadline Day. 

Snapping up the lightning-quick Bakker could prove to be a significant coup for Newcastle, given his previous exploits, age and potential. 

The Netherlands Under-21 international has already turned out for European giants Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain in his short career and has contributed one goal and three assists in 13 league outings this season. 

Bakker only moved to the BayArena last summer as he searched for regular game time following the arrival of Nuno Mendes in Paris. 

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Nevertheless, the 6 foot full-back could soon be on his travels once again after Downie confirmed Newcastle