Newcastle United takeover and transfer news: Defender hints at move as Peruvian link emerges

Willems posted a message to his Instagram followers showing him on the phone, texting with the message: “Text them that I am coming”. The text was also followed by an hourglass emoji.

The post, online last night, was liked by a number of the current Magpies squad including skipper Jamaal Lascelles, Sean Longstaff, Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff and ex-United midfielder Vurnon Anita.

The Gazette understands United remain interested in the Netherlands international, who had a brief loan spell at St James’s Park cut short by injury.

Having signed Jamal Lewis, though, and with Willems still on the recovery trail after surgery on his injured knee, it remains to be seen whether United and boss Steve Bruce would be keen to bring in another left-sided player this window.

A move for the player could well be rekindled at some point with the player entering into the final year of his Bundesliga deal.

Meanwhile, elsewhere United appear to be closing in on a deal for Peruvian No10 Rodrigo Vilca.

According to reports the Magpies have brokered a £250,000 deal for the 21-year-old Deportivo Municipal player.

The playmaker, called up to the national squad recently, could well be loaned out to Europe to gain experience and improve his physical stature, ahead of a United return.

Vilca would be only the second Peruvian to play for United, following on from legend Nolberto Solano.