Newcastle in tussle to offer Prem struggler deal to stay in top flight
Newcastle and Burnley are keeping a close watch on West Brom defender Kyle Bartley ahead of a potential summer swoop, a report claims.
The Magpies have suffered a drastic drop in form of late and are facing a battle to avoid relegation. Furthermore, speculation has arisen over Steve Bruce’s tenure as manager following a training ground bust-up. Nevertheless, The Telegraph reports that Newcastle have begun to assess potential summer transfer targets.
Bartley, whose Baggies side are already in the relegation zone, could be among them.
The newspaper claims that Bruce’s side are ‘keeping a close eye’ on the centre-back’s situation.
Bartley has one year left on his current Hawthorns contract, so could be snapped up for the ‘right offer’.
However, the report does not state the sort of fee West Brom would expect.
Newcastle are supposedly eyeing new centre-back signings to bolster their current options.
Burnley, meanwhile, want cover for England international James Tarkowski.
Kyle Bartley: Nothing has changed in 10 years
West Brom defender Kyle Bartley says there has been no change since he was first abused online almost 10 years ago.
The Clarets successfully evaded interest in the 28-year-old last summer, but they may change their stance if further interest arrives.
The Telegraph does not reveal Bartley’s thinking, but he could wish to stay in the Premier League next season.
While relegation is not on the cards for Burnley this term, Newcastle may yet move off Bartley’ list of potential suitors if he wishes to stay in the top flight.
The 29-year-old signed for West Brom from Swansea in the summer of 2018 and has proved a solid signing.
In his first season, he helped the Baggies to the Championship play-off semi-finals, before helping them achieve automatic promotion last term.
While West Brom have largely struggled this season, Bartley has proved a standout player. Indeed, he has kept three clean sheets in his last five matches.
Newcastle star to miss run-in
Meanwhile, Newcastle have suffered a blow with the news of Isaac Hayden’s injury.
Scans have shown the midfielder suffered “significant” damage during the first half of the Magpies’ 3-0 Premier League defeat at Brighton on Saturday after a challenge with Yves Bissouma.
However, he will not require surgery, instead beginning a rehabilitation schedule that should see him recover in time for next season.
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