90min

Newcastle United Eye Move for Crystal Palace Defender Patrick van Aanholt

By Josh Sim

Patrick van Aanholt is said to be a transfer target for Newcastle United
Patrick van Aanholt is said to be a transfer target for Newcastle United / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
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Newcastle United are considering a summer move for Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt, as they look to strengthen the left hand side of their defence with a permanent signing.

The Magpies have largely been reliant on loanee Danny Rose, who has missed just three games for the club since arriving in January, but the Englishman is, as it stands, set to return to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.

There is plenty of uncertainty concerning Danny Rose's long-term future
There is plenty of uncertainty concerning Danny Rose's long-term future / Alex Livesey/Getty Images

With Matt Ritchie the only other player capable of covering, reinforcements are required - and the printed edition of The Sun (via HITC) claim that Van Aanholt is being eyed up by Newcastle, with manager Steve Bruce thought to be an admirer.

The 29-year-old has become a key player for Palace after joining from Sunderland for £14m in 2017, playing over 100 times for the Eagles so far. He's made a name for himself as one of the more impressive attacking full-backs in the division, with his crossing ability and pace two of his most well-known traits.

He's also had a hand in scoring and setting up goals this season, scoring three of his own and contributing two assists. Were he move back to the north east, Van Aanholt would actually be joining Newcastle for a second time.

Van Aanholt has established himself as one of the top attacking left-backs in the Premier League
Van Aanholt has established himself as one of the top attacking left-backs in the Premier League / JUSTIN TALLIS/Getty Images

A decade ago, the Dutchman joined Newcastle on loan as he looked to get first team experience under his belt - with then-manager Chris Hughton saying of Van Aanholt's time at St James' Park: "We thanked him for what he has done during his time here. He’s been a pleasure to work with."

Currently, Van Aanholt is out of action after suffering a nasty shoulder dislocation against Manchester United, falling awkwardly when attempting to block Anthony Martial's effort at goal. Palace manager Roy Hodgson has since confirmed that he requires surgery to fix the problem, which could rule him out until the start of next season - as well as scuppering a potential move away.