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According to the Daily Mail, Watford are “still pushing” for Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis.
Lewis joined the Magpies from Norwich City in September 2020 for a reported £15 million cost after an outstanding season with the Canaries, when he helped them win the Championship title.
During his first season at St James’ Park under Steve Bruce, the 25-year-old earned 26 appearances in all competitions, but his minutes have become increasingly limited in recent years.
Lewis appeared in just four games across all competitions last season, with only two of those coming in the Premier League because Eddie Howe preferred Dan Burn at left-back.
The Northern Ireland international has emerged on the Hornets’ radar as Valerien Ismael looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.
They face competition for his signature from Swansea City, but Werder Bremen’s Lee Buchanan is said to be the Swans’ top target to replace Ryan Manning, who has joined Southampton after his contract in South Wales expired.
Watford have brought in three new additions so far this summer, with winger Tom Ince, striker Rhys Healey and midfielder Jake Livermore arriving at Vicarage Road.
What has Eddie Howe said about Jamal Lewis’ Newcastle United future?
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hinted that Lewis will be allowed to depart this summer, admitting that the defender’s future at the club is uncertain.
“The future is a little bit unclear for him. He’s very much a valued member of our squad at the moment. I’m very aware I’ve not been able to give him the football he wants this season but I would say his game has developed behind the scenes,” Howe told ChronicleLive in May.
“The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see. His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that.
“He’s someone we value and believe. As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year.
“It’s amazing how fate shows its hand. I think he played at Liverpool and played a couple of previous games and was in good vein of form and helped us to our first win over Burnley.
“But then he pulled his hamstring and it meant we were really light in that position so we recruited Matt [Targett] and now Dan’s stepped up this year. There’s real competition for places in that area, which has been great for me personally but obviously more difficult for Jamal to deal with. But I have to say, he’s acted impeccably.”
Would Watford benefit from acquiring Jamal Lewis?
Lewis would be a fantastic addition to the Hornets’ roster.
With Burn and Targett above of him in the pecking order, it is inevitable that he will leave St James’ Park this summer, and he will want to play regular games at this stage of his career.
While Lewis’ time in the North East has not gone well, he has already demonstrated his potential in the Championship with spectacular displays for Norwich, and if he can recover that form, he will be a huge asset for Watford.
The Hornets are in need of left-back reinforcements after Hassane Kamara’s loan period expired, and Lewis would be an ideal fit.