Report: Newcastle and West Ham battle to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna

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West Ham and Newcastle United are set to battle it out for the signature of Takehiro Tomiaysu from Bologna, according to Corriere di Bologna via The Sun.

The 21-year-old is valued at £16 million by the Serie A outfit, having arrived from VV Sint-Truiden from £8 million just last summer.

Tomiyasu is typically a right-back and both Premier League clubs appear to be in the market to bolster their defensive ranks.

The interest from the pair of clubs could spark interest from several other clubs, with the Japanese international thought to be highly-rated.

During 2019/20, the man with 18 caps for his country played 29 times for Bologna, scoring one goal and registering three assists.

He also played five times at centre-back and that versatility might be another reason for the interest from David Moyes and Steve Bruce.

The defender is good with both fit and fits the role of a ball-playing central defender, with his stylish array of passing from a defensive area of the pitch.

Tomiyasu is strong aerially and his uncompromising approach to tackling should see him adhered himself to the supporters of whichever club he joins.

TBR View – Unknown quantity but Tomiyasu could prove shrewd

West Ham are in serious need of a couple of signings to appease their supporters.

Grady Diangana was sold last week, causing a backlash from both players and fans of the Hammers.

Signing a young, up and coming performer like Tomiyasu could prove ideal and a full-back would probably be ideal for the Hammers.

Newcastle are thought to be nearing the signings of Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson, with the trio representing three quality additions.

More defensive recruits would perhaps be required though and adding Tomiyasu would at least give Steve Bruce some scope to get the likes of DeAndre Yedlin out of the door.

Although the international would arrive as an unknown quantity, his form last season has earned him a chance.

At £16 million, he could prove money well spent for either Newcastle or West Ham.