Newcastle reportedly want PL left-footer Shearer raved about in November 2020

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Newcastle are reportedly battling Crystal Palace to sign Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri ahead of the January window – a player Alan Shearer raved about, after his Wolves debut back in November 2020.

Ait-Nouri, 20, completed a permanent move to Wolves in the summer, after impressing on loan during the 2020-21 campaign. In his 18 months at Molineux, he has clocked up 34 appearances.

But given he is just 20, that is mightily impressive and his performances are now attracting interest from some of Wolves’ rivals. Jeunes Footeux claim that both Newcastle and Palace are said to be interested.

They also report that Wolves might consider offers in the region of £21million and £25.75million. Following his debut in a 2-0 win over Palace, Shearer applauded him – given that he also found the back of the net.

“What an amazing debut by the teenage Frenchman. It doesn’t get much better than marking your first match with a goal and a win. He was very impressive in his attacking down the left,” Shearer told the PL’s website.

Shearer on Ait-Nouri: Newcastle would solve left-back issue for years

While Ait-Nouri is far from the polished article, he is the perfect left-back for an Eddie Howe side. He gets forward, his delivery is impeccable – live, or from set-pieces. His technique is undeniable.

In defence, he is dogged and while he does get caught out now and then – he is best as a wing-back, giving him the centre-back cover on the left side. If Newcastle can get him for £20million, then they really should.

Certainly, he is in an improvement on both Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett. Jamal Lewis is of similar ilk, but ultimately, Ait-Nouri has much better technical ability than the ex-Norwich man.