As per one of the latest reports by Mail Online, Newcastle United have accepted Norwich City’s bid for defender Grant Hanley.
Although the personal terms are to be settled, it has been apparent that the Canaries have indeed reacted speedily in order to lure Hanley to the Carrow Road right in the final days of the ongoing summer transfer window.
Norwich City haven’t had a good start under the tutelage of Daniel Farke who was appointed as the manager back in May. They are placed on the 22nd spot in the league table after their first five outings in the Championship, with merely 4 points to their name so far.
What has been shambolic for them particularly is that they have conceded 15 goals already and with such a terrible defensive form, they are likely to suffer even more.
Farke had already lured two quality centre-backs to their arsenal this summer, with Marcel Franke and Christoph Zimmermann making moves from Greuther Furth and Borussia Dortmund II, respectively.
However, seeing their leaky backline, someone like Hanley was the dire need of the hour owing to his notable experience in the English second division and considering that he helped the Geordies earn a promotion to the Premier League last season.
The 25-year-old emerged through the youth ranks of Queen of South, Crewe Alexandra and Rangers before making a move to the ranks of Blackburn Rovers. During his spell with Rovers, he carved a name for himself in the good books of the football fraternity and eventually, the Toon came calling for him last summer.
However, the centre-back was granted merely 5 league starts by Rafael Benitez last season and it is perceived that he is surplus to the requirements of the club. Norwich City were bulldozed by newly promoted side Millwall on Saturday as they were thrashed 4-0 by the Lions.
The Citizens have to build their defence from the scratch and with Hanley in their ranks, they would have the luxury of someone who has an excellent technical understanding of the game and who relies more on his ability to read the game instead of putting his athleticism on display.
He is a decent defender to have, for he initiates the attack from the back and knits the defenders well to cater to the need of his employers and despite signing Hanley, we expect Farke to make more additions before 31st August deadline day comes upon us.
