Newcastle United have lodged their official interest in SC Paderborn’s sought-after left-back Jamilu Collins, according to TransferMarkt.
It is thought that the Toon are among a clutch of clubs both in Germany and England considering the Nigerian ahead of the summer transfer window, following a campaign which has seen Collins prove himself as a regular of manager Steffen Baumgart’s plans.
Collins has opened 21 of Paderborn’s 25 Bundesliga fixtures across the 2019/20 campaign, having only been forced to sit out two fixtures as a result of suspensions while rested against Bayern Munich at the end of February.
Discipline has often proven to be a flaw of Collins’ game this term having been shown six yellow cards over the German top-flight season to date, including two cautions in 30 minutes against SC Freiburg during what was his return from a suspension.
Nevertheless, Newcastle, plus Fulham, FC Schalke 04, 1.FSV Mainz 05 and Hertha BSC, are all said to have informed Paderborn of their interest in Collins, who is under contract at the Benteler-Arena until the summer of 2021.
Head coach Steve Bruce has previously been alleged to be on the hunt for potential new left-backs this summer, with the club as of yet undecided on activating our option to buy Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jetro Willems while having no purchase clause for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Danny Rose.
Would you back a move for Collins this summer?
Yes
No
While Collins has shown a reckless nature through his frequent bookings this term, the 13-cap Nigerian would offer Bruce a versatile left-sided option as he is capable of playing anywhere across the channel.
Baumgart has called on him to play exclusively at left-back thus far this term across all competitions, but the decision has returned one goal against Bavarian powerhouse Bayern Munich and two assists – one of which coming against Bundesliga title-hopefuls Borussia Dortmund.
Collins has also averaged 35.2 accurate passes (74%) per league game this season, per Sofa Score data, along with 80.7 touches, 2.6 interceptions, 2.9 successful tackles, 2.6 clearances, 1.6 successful dribbles (55%) and wins 6.5 duels (5.5 ground, 1.0 aerial).
However, the 25-year-old has been credited with missing two big chances to score, as well as conceding a penalty, losing possession 20.4 times per game and only finding teammates with 0.2 (19%) of his crosses each top-flight match.
TransferMarkt’s report does not state how much Paderborn would request, though the German site value Collins at £2.7million.
In other Newcastle United news, a £19.8m-rated Toon duo have been tipped to reconsider their futures at St. James’ Park.