Newcastle United are expected to show ambition during the summer transfer window and they have placed Dutch World Cup semi-finalist Bruno Martins Indi high on their shopping list. Dutch publication Voetbal International, as well as The Chronicle, claim the 23-year-old Porto centre-back has been on the Magpies' radar for several seasons and they could look to firm up their interest this summer. However, the Magpies will face competition from Southampton and Manchester United for Martins Indi, who can also operate at left-back, with Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal in particular keen to be reunited with a player he regularly turned to while Holland boss. A fee in excess of £10 million would need to be parted with if the Magpies are to secure the 28-cap Holland international's signature, with a whole host of clubs chasing him and Porto reluctant to sell him. But Newcastle require defensive reinforcements this summer, having conceded the second-highest number of goals in the Premier League last season (63), and Martins Indi's reputation, as well as his versatility, make him an attractive option. In 33 appearances for the Portuguese giants in 2014-15, Martins Indi scored twice. Porto paid Feyenoord £6 million for Martins Indi last summer following his impressive performances for Holland as Van Gaal's men claimed third place at the Brazil World Cup in 2014. Throughout his career as a whole, for both Feyenoord and Porto, the 6ft 1in defender has made 153 appearances to date, netting seven times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
