Newcastle scouts watch Douglas

The same Newcastle scouts who have unearthed such gems as Papiss Cisse, Yohann Cabaye and Cheikh Tiote, are heading back to Europe to find the latest talent at FC Twente, Brazilian defender Douglas.

The Daily Mail have reported that manager Alan Pardew has been  keen enough to take his own binoculars, notepad and box of pens out to Holland to watch the 24 year old defender, as Steve McClaren’s Twente lost to Ajax on Sunday.

It is believed Douglas has been a long term target for Pardew, with the Mail originally breaking the story of scouts being sent to watch him in early April, quoting the Newcastle Chronicle as saying Douglas wants to leave Enschede and pack his bags for the sunnier climbs of Tyneside.

It is understood that addressing the defence is Pardew’s priority after a successful season and although the 50 year old manager witnessed a scouting dream on Sunday, he was also able to watch targets Luuk and Siem De Jong according the Mail’s report, Douglas is the one that Pardew wants, like the Travolta, Newton-John duet in the Grease musical.

The Guardian believe Douglas could be landed for an £8 million valuation after being part of a solid Twente defence that has only shipped 38 goals as they lie in sixth place in the EreDivisie.  The defender has also attracted interest from Ajax and Schalke but the Mail have originally said he was intent on moving to the Premier League.

The resourceful McClaren has apparently, already lined a replacement up for the outgoing defender, who has attracted interest from Aston Villa and Fulham as well as Newcastle, in the English league.

With a better track record on imports than Toblerone and packets of tobacco, and with a chance of playing European football next season, the Magpies are more likely to get their man, who goes simply by the name of Douglas.

@AdamGray1250

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