Newcastle Aim To Add SIXTH Dutchman To Their Squad As They Eye Midfielder

Is Fer going to be reunited with both McClaren and Wijnaldum?

By Chris Waugh /

Newcastle United are looking to add a sixth Dutch player to their ranks this summer - with Queens Park Rangers midfielder Leroy Fer reportedly on their recruitment list. Soccernews.nl claim that Steve McClaren is looking to reunite Fer with £14.5 million summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum on Tyneside, with the pair having played together at Feyenoord towards the beginning of their careers. The 25-year-old has been relegated from the Premier League in each of the last two seasons in succession with Norwich City and then QPR, yet Newcastle appear to be keen to prise both Fer and forward Charlie Austin away from Loftus Road this summer.
Interestingly, Sunderland and Sevilla are just two of the other European sides who have been linked with a move for Fer in recent months. An 11-cap Holland international, the central-midfielder progressed through the Feyenoord youth ranks with Wijnaldum and made 119 appearances for the Dutch side, scoring 16 times. Fer then played under McClaren for the first time at FC Twente, for who he made 77 appearances and scored 21 goals between 2011 and 2013. In July 2013, Norwich then brought Fer to the Premier League for the first time for a £4.4 million fee and, although the midfielder netted four times in 33 appearances, the Canaries were relegated. QPR came calling and paid £8 million for the Dutchman and he scored six goals in 31 games for the west London club - including a 30-yard screamer during the 2-1 victory over the Magpies in May - but could not prevent a second demotion in as many seasons. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.