‘I can endure’ - Newcastle weather will not stop Netherlands star joining Premier League club

Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners has joked how English rain does not deter him from a Premier League move.

Newcastle United have been linked with a £43million move for the Netherlands midfielder. As well as the Magpies, Manchester United and Liverpool are rumoured to be keeping tabs on his situation.

The Red Devils have signed several Dutch players since Erik ten Hag’s appointment as manager, with Jurgen Klopp also growing his Netherlands contingent with Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in recent times. Newcastle fans have enjoyed the likes of Sven Botman, Patrick Kluivert, Tim Krul, Gini Wijnaldum and Daryl Janmaat grace the St James’ Park turf - and Koopmeiners could be next.

The 26-year-old has bagged 12 goals across all competitions to keep Atalanta within touching distance of a Champions League spot. Capable of playing as a holding midfielder, No.8 or No.10, Koopmeiners also has 20 caps for his national team.

Newcastle are already understood to be considering a move for his teammate, Ederson, and that could turn into a double swoop. The hefty price tag is reflective of Koopmeiners’ importance to Atalanta and his contract, which has three-and-a-half years to run.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, the midfielder flirted with the idea of moving to England this summer. Koopmeiner even made reference to the notorious British weather.

“I have indicated to Atalanta that I want to make a move this summer,” he quipped. “But there must be something very nice to exchange that for Atalanta. My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy but I can endure the rain for some clubs in England. 

“I hope there will be great options that I can think about. And then I hope that Atalanta receives a nice amount for me, because I had a wonderful time there.”