Aston Villa have joined Newcastle United in pursuing Mainz midfielder Erkan Eyibil, according to a report from Turkishfootball.com
The Turkish outlet report that Newcastle have been scouting Eyibil, with Rafa Benitez taking a look at the 17-year-old, who has been in excellent form this season scoring 20 goals and registering a further five assists in 20 games for Mainz’s U19 side.
Newcastle could face strong competition for the attacking midfielder, who has been nicknamed the new Mesut Ozil in the Turkish media, with the likes of Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham the other English sides thought to be interested, while Turkish sides Besiktas and Fenerbahce are also reportedly keen on a move for Eyibil.
OPINION
Newcastle will be aiming for a productive transfer window this summer, with the aim of persuading Benitez to commit his future to the club beyond the summer. For the Spaniard to remain in charge at St James’ Park the Magpies will need to give assurances over the club’s ambition to recruit the players needed to help him take the club to the next level. The addition of a promising young player such as Eyibil would be a positive statement that the club are willing to invest in talented players, and compete with domestic and European rivals to secure their signatures. Eyibil has been described as similar in style to Ozil, therefore his addition would be an exciting one for Newcastle supporters, with the Magpies somewhat lacking in invention at times this season. The 17-year-old’s form for Mainz’s youth team this season highlights that he maybe ready to make another step up in his career, Newcastle will hope he can make that step with them if they sign him from the Bundesliga side this summer.
