Report: ‘Magic’ Newcastle United player now wanted by Ligue 1 side, he’s yet to feature at all this year

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Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis is wanted by Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, according to L’Equipe.

It’s been a year to forget for the Northern Ireland international, who has yet to feature at all for Newcastle in 2022.

Lewis started the year with a hamstring injury before having groin surgery, and was left out of Eddie Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad.

The left-back has yet to feature this season, although he could return for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers.

The report from L’Equipe suggests that Lewis fits the profile of the left-back they’re looking for, but doesn’t explain if they want him on a loan move or a permanent deal.

Described by Eddie Howe in pre-season as an ‘incredible athlete’, Lewis hasn’t even made the bench for Newcastle’s first three Premier League games.

Newcastle defender Lewis wanted by Nice

Lewis has been a regular at international level since making his debut while playing for Norwich City in 2018.

His former manager Daniel Farke said he was ‘able to do some magic with his left foot’, but has been unable to showcase his talents at St. James’ Park for some time.

The permanent signing of Matt Targett in the summer has signalled Howe’s intentions that Lewis won’t be first choice this season.

Howe decided to start Dan Burn on the left in Targett’s absence against Manchester City, with Matt Ritchie brought on late in the game after Burn picked up a knock.

All three of these players seem to be ahead of Lewis in Howe’s thinking, and for this reason Lewis needs a move elsewhere this season to start playing again.

Lewis needs move to guarantee minutes

A move to Nice would give Lewis the opportunity to play in Europe this season if they can overcome Maccabi Tel Aviv this evening.

Lewis’ contract runs until 2025, and as a homegrown player, could be quite expensive for the French side.

It will be interesting to see if Newcastle would prefer Lewis .

Lewis would be competing with French under-21 international Melvin Bard for the left-back role.