Newcastle weigh up bid for Blackburn Rovers defender Grant Henley

Newcastle United are mulling over a move for Blackburn Rovers' Grant Hanley.
Grant HenleyGrant Henley
Grant Henley

Rafa Benitez is looking to bring at least one defensive recruit to St James’s Park in this summer’s transfer window.

The club, which also needs more firepower, has to replace the departing Steven Taylor, while there are question marks over the futures of a number of its defenders, including captain Fabricio Coloccini.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There have been enquiries about Arsenal’s Isaac Hayden and Queens Park Rangers’ Steven Caulker already this summer.

Hanley, 24, is another name under consideration.

United manager needs to add Championship experience to his squad ahead of the relegated club’s return to the division.

And Hanley, under contract at Ewood Park for another two seasons, has played in the division for the past four years.

The Scotland international, also reportedly a target for Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday, could be secured for a fee of £5million this summer, though Blackburn has previously resisted bids for him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Benitez is assessing the club’s options ahead of the start of pre-season training on Tyneside.

Many players will report back to Newcastle’s revamped training ground next week.

However, those involved in Euro 2016 and summer internationals won’t be back until next month.

Meanwhile, defender Jamie Cobain has signed for Kilmarnock, managed by ex-Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark.