Jamal Lewis is edging closer to a Premier League return after Newcastle United launched a bid for Norwich City’s Northern Irish international.
Multiple reports circulating on Saturday morning claimed the Magpies have had a bid in the region of £14million plus add-ons accepted for the 22-year-old.
The clubs are in discussion but no bid has been accepted by Norwich at this stage, although the expectation is agreement can be reached in the coming days.
Those potential add-ons, reported to become activated should the player hit a series of performance related targets, are expected to take the deal closer to City’s valuation than Premier League champions Liverpool managed when they saw an £8m plus £2m in add-ons offer rejected last month.The Athletic’s report also claims that City have negotiated a sell-on clause into the deal - meaning they stand to profit further should Lewis kick-on at St James’ Park.
Lewis was the subject of a high profile transfer saga with Liverpool earlier this summer which saw Norwich reject the Reds’ cheeky initial £8m offer.
The Northern Ireland international played 90 minutes of last night’s 1-1 draw with Romania and only featured in City’s last pre-season friendly against Darmstadt, playing only 72 minutes after suffering from a slight niggle.
Speaking about interest in Lewis during the Canaries pre-season tour of Germany, City boss Daniel Farke said: “We spoke after the season finished about this very topic,” said Farke. “I told all of them there would be a lot of speculation and they would be linked to other clubs. Sometimes there is something in it, sometimes not. But I told him I will treat him no differently.
“They are our players, we need them. I said if it was down to me I wouldn’t sell them for £100m.
“But I am not naive, the club may have to make decisions in the best interests of the club, but if it was down to me I wouldn’t sell. So the relationship with them is good.
“Jamal since he came back from the summer break has been fantastic. There can be a hangover from a disappointing end to the season but not with this young man.
“Of course, Jamal was in the spotlight with Liverpool but we haven’t had to speak about it because he has been top class in his behaviour.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here