According to The Sun, Toon boss Kevin Keegan has identified De Jong among his prime targets as he seeks to reinforce a midfield that was found largely wanting last term.
While Nicky Butt recaptured his best form towards the end of the season, Joey Barton spent more time behind bars than on the pitch and Emre Belezoglu ? who has moved to Fenerbahce ? was similarly disappointing.
And with Butt approaching 34 years of age, Keegan clearly feels the time is right to introduce some youth and quality in the middle of the park, having already drafted in Danny Guthrie on the creative front.
De Jong was one of the Netherlands? star performers at EURO 2008, his strong and energetic performances allowing the likes of Rafael Van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder to run riot over their opposition.
Hamburg boss Martin Jol will most certainly be unwilling to let the 23-year-old depart, however, especially given Van der Vaart is also tipped to leave the Nordbank Arena this summer.
AlmerÃa Youngster Interests Keegan
Newcastle Chase Deportivo’s Coloccini
Mort Stands Down As Newcastle Chairman
Milner: I’ll Be At Toon Next Season
Keegan Still Searching For Toon’s ‘Spark’
Newcastle Prepare 7m Baptista Bid
July 20th, 2008 at 11:43 am
[...] Youngster Interests KeeganMagpies To Swoop For De Jong? Magpies To Swoop For De Jong?Milner: I’ll Be At Toon Next SeasonKeegan: We Should Have Won [...]