JETRO WILLEMS

Dutchman’s agent talks up Tyneside return

JETRO Willems has rejected the offer of a new contract at Eintracht Frankfurt, handing Newcastle United the chance to sign the left wing-back in January.

The Bundesliga side want Willems, whose contract expires in the summer, to sign another contract after returning from injury.

However, the Holland international has signalled he will not be re-signing for them – and that means he will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with any club in Europe in January.

The player expects to leave and would welcome a move to Newcastle.

Willems suffered a serious knee injury in January and has taken nine months to return to training.

Even though he is yet to return for Eintracht Frankfurt, he is match fit and would be available. Agent Sigi Lens said: “Jetro felt very comfortable at Newcastle and he said he felt like it was home, so of course he would be happy to go back if the chance came up.

“Newcastle are a great club and he had a great time in England.

“They were very good after the injury so it is something he would be happy with if the opportunity came up. He is fully fit and ready to play.”

Newcastle signed Jamal Lewis in the summer and the ex-Norwich man has made a good start to life at St James’ Park.

However, the chance to bring in a potential Holland international – popular in the dressing room and who retains a real rapport with the supporters – is surely worth United’s consideration.

Recruitment meetings have been taking place and Newcastle will look to be active again in the New Year.