Newcastle have been advised to consider a move for one of their former players to address a potential problem area in their starting-XI.
With Matt Ritchie reportedly keen on a return to former club Bournemouth, however, the ex-fan favourite could be a cheap solution to a potentially considerable transfer headache for Steve Bruce.
Steve Howey pointed to 27-year-old fullback Jetro Willems as an option the manager could pursue if the need arises in the summer window.
“I thought he did really well and I think he was unfortunate with that injury, but it is one of those things which meant he obviously had to go back and it’s very frustrating as a player,” the former Magpies defender told Transfer Tavern. “He did do quite well here and the fans liked him so it’s certainly an option they could look into.”
The versatile left-back featured 20 times for the Newcastle upon Tyne-based side, before a cruciate ligament rupture ended his season following the turn of the year in 2020.
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Injury struggles have plagued the defender in recent times, with the 27-year-old carrying fitness concerns into his final season with Eintracht Frankfurt, not featuring once for the Bundesliga outfit.
Having reportedly turned down a new contract at Frankfurt, Newcastle would arguably be more than tempted by the possibility of securing the Dutchman on a free transfer.