Watford set to sign Jamal Lewis on loan from Newcastle United

Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis is set to join Watford on a season-long loan.

Discussions have been ongoing for the last two weeks regarding an agreement between the clubs and a breakthrough now appears to have been reached with Eddie Howe, speaking from the club’s US tour, confirming a deal will “probably be done in the next 24 hours.”

Personal terms are understood to not be an issue. At this stage, it is unclear whether the agreement will include an option or obligation to buy.

Lewis, who is part of the squad in the US, made 26 appearances for Newcastle during the 2020-21 season, after joining from Norwich. However he has only featured 10 times over the course of the last two seasons.

The Northern Ireland international, who has 30 caps, has a contract until 2025 at St James Park. Watford have been looking to bring in a left-back following the departure of Hassane Kamara to Udinese.

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Newcastle have three left back options in Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Paul Dummett, who are all ahead of Lewis.

Watford have announced three new signings this summer with Tom Ince, Rhys Healey and Jake Livermore all arriving. Giorgian international Giorgi Chakvetadze has carried out a medical but is yet to be formally announced after a loan deal from Gent was agreed.

The Championship club are also looking to sign a new striker and left sided centre back, with options in both positions being discussed.

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