Hull "Demand £8m" For Newcastle Defensive Target After Crystal Palace "Enquiry"

By Chris Waugh / July 24, 2015

Hull City have reportedly told any potential suitors that James Chester will cost £8 million this summer. The Hull Daily Mail claim that Crystal Palace have made an enquiry for the centre-back and have been quoted the £8 million fee, while both Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion are also credited with an interest in the 26-year-old. With the Magpies having conceded 61 Premier League goals last season, their need for new defenders is well-documented - and their next signing will reportedly be another centre-back, even once Chancel Mbemba is confirmed as arriving from Anderlecht. Mbemba arrived on Tyneside ahead of his medical on Thursday, but The Chronicle claims Newcastle are still targeting another centre-back. If Chester is deemed to be that man, then Newcastle have now been told the transfer fee they will have to pay in order to secure his signature. Having risen through Manchester United's academy, Chester made just one first-team appearance for the Red Devils between 2008 and 2011 - although he did feature 31 times on loan at Peterborough United, Plymouth Arygle and Carlisle United. Then, in January 2010, Hull parted with £300,000 to bring Chester to the KC Stadium, and he is now the Tigers' longest-serving player. In fact, in the five-and-a-half years since, the 5ft 11in six-cap Wales international has made 172 appearances for Hull, scoring eight times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.