Eddie Howe is keen on the idea of offering Paul Dummett a new contract at Newcastle United, according to The Sunderland Echo.
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While there will surely be a huge emphasis placed on signing players this summer, there is little doubt Newcastle need to start shifting deadwood.
Indeed, The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has already commented on the size of the squad, believing it to be too big and a potential obstacle it comes to the club’s pursuit of additions over the course of the summer.
With a number of players out of contract, the end of the season would appear to be a natural time in which to move on. Under a new ownership and manager, perhaps there’s a chance to revolutionise the squad, much as Crystal Palace did when Patrick Vieira replaced Roy Hodgson.
Still, the report claims Dummett – who continues to be blighted by injury problems – is someone Howe values and could re-sign as a squad player.
How many games has Dummett missed through injury?
One of few academy graduates to have made the grade in the first-team, Dummett’s injury record does not make for good reading.
This season alone, he’s missed 20 games, coming off the back of the 2020/21 campaign in which he missed 11 and 34 the season before that.
Is there value in keeping Dummett?
Able to operate as either a left-back or in central defence, the former Wales international does have his uses.
Indeed, upon his return to the first-team against Watford in January, The Chronicle noted he “slotted back in with the minimum of fuss after six months on the sidelines”, suggesting the 30-year-old is capable of performing in the Premier League when called upon.
The injuries are undoubtedly frustrating but a new contract, as a squad player, might help save the club money. If he can play in a number of positions on relatively manageable wage (with SpotRac suggesting he’s paid in the region of £35k-per-week), Dummett does represent some decent cover, allowing the recruitment staff to focus on other areas.