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Matty Hewitt

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel's glowing verdict on Mitchel Bakker amid Newcastle United links

Newcastle United are closing in on their third signing of the January transfer window, according to the latest reports.

The Magpies are in negotiations over personal terms with the former PSG and Ajax defender, as per the Telegraph.

The Bayer Leverkusen full-back signed a four-year deal with Bundesliga side last summer, with PSG inserting a buy-back clause into the deal.

Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Duvan Zapata and James Tarkoswki latest

The 21-year-old has made 13 appearances so far this season for Die Werkself, including a handful in the Europa League.

The Sun claim the deal would be in the region of £14.5m, with Leverkusen having only paid £8.5million in the summer.

The Dutch youth international is highly rated across the continent, and former PSG manager Thomas Tuchel was the man who handed Bakker his debut at Le Parc de Princes.

Tuchel told RMC Sport: “He played very well. It was his first appearance as a starter. He was very, very good.

"I have to say that he was very reliable, very focused. It was a good performance.”

Eddie Howe (North News & Pictures northnews.co.uk)

The win at Leeds United gave the Magpies just their second win in all competitions keeping them in touch with the rest of the relegation pack.

Nonetheless, Howe is keen on adding further additions to the Newcastle squad before the January transfer window closes.

It's believed the Toon boss wanted a player for every position across the back four, and Bakker's arrival would fulfil that quota.

So what kind of player would they be getting?

Tuchel told Dutch outlet Het Parool : “He was reliable and focused. I am very happy with Mitch and his physical qualities.

"It’s not easy for him because there is always a lot of pressure. You always have to win. But he responds well to that.”

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