Newcastle United player left out of squad versus Aston Villa set for summer exit

Swansea City could hand Jamal Lewis an opportunity to end the uncertainty over his future at Newcastle United.

The Northern Ireland international was the subject of interest from Watford over the last week and it is believed the Hornets are hoping to take Lewis on a season-long loan. However, the Sunday Mirror’s Darren Witcoop has now claimed Swansea are ready to battle their Championship rivals to secure the signature of the Magpies left-back.

It seems increasingly likely Lewis will be allowed to depart St James Park this summer and Eddie Howe recently suggested his future on Tyneside is unclear. He said: “The work he’s put in behind the scenes every day to improve himself with the coaches here has been brilliant to see. His game has been in a really good place, just I haven’t been able to give him the opportunities to show that. He’s someone we value and believe. As I sit here now, I don’t know what the future will hold for him next year.”

Lewis is not said to be the Swans’ preferred option as they consider a move for Werder Bremen defender Lee Buchanan. The German club have given some encouragement over a move after sporting director Frank Baumann would allow the former Derby County man to depart but only after they are able to sign a replacement.

He told DeichStube: “In his home country, Lee has a good reputation. There are always clubs from England that show interest in him, even these days. We still believe that Lee can be interesting for us in terms of sport or business. After the injuries to Mitchell Weiser and Felix Agu, we can't give up another winger without a replacement being signed first.”