OPINION
Norwich are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle defender Grant Hanley.
Lee Ryder, who is the chief sports writer for the Chronicle, claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Championship outfit are keen on landing the 25-year-old.
It is understood that the Magpies want to off-load the centre-back quickly to make room in their squad.
Grant Hanley wanted by Norwich City #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 29, 2017
#nufc hoping to off-load Hanley soon to clear squad space
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 29, 2017
Good move for Newcastle?
Hanley is clearly surplus to requirement at St James’ Park this season and selling him on would be a good move.
Rafael Benitez needs to sell players before bringing in anymore new arrivals and agreeing a quick sale of Hanley could give him a couple of days to do business in the remainder of the summer transfer window.
Hanley has proven he can be a decent centre-back in the Championship, but doesn’t look cut out for the top flight.
He is unlikely to get much game time ahead of the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, Ciaran Clark and Chancel Mbemba so a move suits both parties.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
This deal looks like it could happen and Newcastle will certainly be keen to make room in their squad quickly.
Meanwhile, Norwich are in need of a new defender following their poor start to the Championship season, conceding 12 goals in their opening five league games.
The centre-back has not been involved in Newcastle’s match day squad for the Premier League so far and is expected to leave this summer, with the ball firmly in Norwich’s court to strike up a deal.
?This Is Futbol rating: 7/10