Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough believes a move to Newcastle United could be a brilliant one for Jamal Lewis – and feels Steve Bruce could be a ‘fantastic’ manager for him.
This comes after widespread reports confirmed on Saturday morning that we had a £13.5m bid ACCEPTED by Norwich for the talented left-back.
That said, it seems the 22-year-old will NOT be allowed to leave the international set up early in order to complete a move to St James’ Park, with Baraclough insisting that he’ll remain with Northern Ireland
He does, however, seem excited about the prospect of his first-choice left-back completing a move to St James’ Park, believing it’s one that will please both Lewis himself and Newcastle fans.
Here’s what the Northern Ireland boss had to say when asked about the potential move today:
“It’s exciting times for him.
“There’s one or two in the squad that have been talking about possible moves to other clubs but for Jamal it would stepping back into the Premier League.
“We feel he is a Premier League player.
“He has got all the attributes for that and is still learning in a lot of ways
“If he was to complete the move to Newcastle, Steve Bruce will be a fantastic manager for him to give him more of an education and take him on to another level.
“What a club it would be to move to.
“The Newcastle fans would be pleased I am sure, to see him flying up and down the left-hand side.
“And for us it gives us a boost to have somebody in our ranks from the Premier League.”
Lewis won’t be arriving on Tyneside for talks and a potential medical over the next 24 hours, however, with him set to remain with the Irish squad and feature in their UEFA Nations League clash with Norway tomorrow night.
Here’s what Baraclough had to say when asked if he’ll be allowed to leave the camp to complete a move to Tyneside:
“He won’t be leaving the camp, he’s been part of the group which did some recovery and, as I’ve heard nothing.”
“I spoke to Jamal before we came in and again face to face in camp, his head’s in a good place.
“He knows that at the right time, he and his family will make a decision which will benefit him.
So, Fraser’s arrival is said to be imminent – according to Mark Douglas – and Sky Sports reckon Wilson could have a medical tomorrow after he arrives in the North-East tonight, however it seems we might have to wait a day or two longer for Lewis.
A very talented young player and someone who would arrive with rave reviews from both Norwich and Northern Ireland.
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