According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce keeps a constant eye on the performances of Denzel Dumfries.
The PSV star is reportedly being watched by a number of Premier League sides and stars at right-back, a problem position for the Magpies. Indeed, the signing of Jamal Lewis has helped give the Toon Army a new lease of life on the left of defence (no one in the backline has attempted more pressing actions than his 111 so far) though the opposite flank remains an issue.
Jacob Murphy has emerged as an option for Bruce in that position but is out of contract in 2021 and has spent much of his Newcastle career as an outcast, with neither Javi Manquillo or Emil Krafth wholly convincing in terms of being able to guarantee a regular starting berth.
With that in mind, Dumfries would be a wonderful addition.
As you can see from the graphic above, the 24-year-old beats Newcastle’s options in a number of important metrics per 90 minutes, such as aerial duels won, defensive duels won and key passes completed.
Bruce did struggle to shift some of the deadwood towards the end of the window so it’s unclear as to what kind of budget he’d have in January but, considering the struggles at right-back, Dumfries would be an astute addition.