Newcastle transfer latest: Van Rhijn to the Tyne?

Newcastle United, 6/4 with Coral for a top 10 Premier League finish, are eyeing a second summer swoop for an Ajax player, as they brace themselves for right back Mathieu Debuchy’s departure.

The Magpies are keen to recruit Ricardo van Rhijn from the Dutch champions to replace the Arsenal-bound France defender. Alan Pardew has already added Ajax attacker Siem de Jong to the squad at St James’ Park as he also remodels forward and midfield areas. Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez are their other acquisitions.

Reports vary on the amount of money Newcastle will receive from the Gunners for Debuchy, but most are in the £8m-£10m region. Arsene Wenger is in turn trying to replace Bacary Sagna, who joined Premier League champions Manchester City on a free transfer when his deal at the Emirates expired.

Van Rhijn, 23, was a regular as Ajax won a fourth straight Eredivisie title under Frank de Boer last term. He also has seven caps for the Netherlands, but was omitted from Louis van Gaal’s World Cup roster, alongside established compatriot Gregory van der Wiel, in favour of late bloomer Paul Verhaegh.

Pardew does have other players among his current options that can play right back, most notably utility man Vurnon Anita and Italy international Davide Santon, yet neither player has specialised in that position. Ryan Taylor is also due to make his return from a long-term knee injury, but has made just one Premier League appearance in the last couple of seasons.

In Van Rhijn, the Magpies would be getting a player that has already racked up 100 senior club appearances at a relatively tender age. Buying Dutch is a departure from their previous transfer policy, which in recent years has seen a number of French footballers coming to Tyneside.

Despite the loss of Yohan Cabaye in January and loan star striker Loic Remy, Newcastle are not rated as being in relegation danger, with Coral making them 8/1 for the drop this season.