Newcastle Chasing Dutch Duo
Defender Virgil van Dijk of FC Groningen and striker Yanic Wildschut of VVV Venlo appear to be the latest players being monitored on the scouting team’s radar.
Having impressed for their respective sides, both players have been rewarded with Netherlands U21 call ups in recent times, demonstrating a possibility for a transition to the senior squad in the foreseeable future.
Having only just burst onto the scene in the Eredivise, you would be forgiven for stating an unawareness of the existence of these two players. You would also be forgiven for admitting that perhaps this isn’t a rumour which gets a supporter licking their lips, as the signing of a big money player would.
However, what the fans should all be praising the club for is the growing duration in which we look for the best financial deals to ensure that wasteful spending is an unlikely repercussion. Signing Europe’s most prominent stalwarts for eight figure sums is always satisfying for a supporter, but may not be rewarding in the long run if they don’t live up to their potential. Newcastle’s policy of low cost signings, accompanied with an excellent scouting team, has been so heavily praised as it guarantees stability in the long term future.
With that in mind, it makes sense to be interested in the likes of van Dijk and Wildschut. What’s also refreshing is that the club are tracking players from a nation which has produced dozens of world class players over the years. Goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet is another example of a player from The Low Countries being linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Admittedly, this is a case of not knowing too much about the players being linked, but trusting that they have enough potential to perform for United judging by the scouting team’s past successful endeavours. Whether the club decides to make a move for one or both of them remains to be seen, but expect to continue hearing about them over the coming months.
The Spectator's View 
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