Newcastle target Huijsen rated by Mourinho for Eddie Howe transfer rebuild

Newcastle are lining up a £25million transfer swoop for 19-year-old Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen, who is currently on loan at Roma.

Eddie Howe is battling a defensive crisis that will need to be addressed in the summer transfer market after losing Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to long-term knee injuries.

Botman has been ruled out until late 2024 after undergoing ACL surgery while club captain Lascelles could be sidelined until next year after undergoing the same operation.

The double blow means Newcastle are prioritising defensive reinforcements and there is optimism St James' Park chiefs will be able to bring two new centre-backs through the door ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Huijsen is one of their key targets of interest having earned rave reviews on loan at Roma this season, however, the teenage prospect has already made it known that he intends to remain with Juventus and prove his worth in Turin.

Jose Mourinho said of the defender before his Stadio Olimpico dismissal: "He is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level. He will be a great footballer in the future.”

Borussia Dortmund have also been showing interest in the Dutch-born Spain U21 international. Huijsen penned a new long-term contract with the Old Lady that will run until 2027 last summer after scoring 10 goals in 40 appearances for Juve's U19 and Next Gen sides. He had only played 12 minutes in Serie A for Roma until January when his involvement helped spark an upturn in form.

Newcastle are also among the clubs in contention for highly-coveted free-agents Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo, who would help combat the challenges presented by Premier League PSR Rules. Both players look set to leave their respective clubs,