:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50498941/i.0.0.jpeg)
When I mentioned in yesterday's Daryl Janmaat rumor piece that US International DeAndre Yedlin was being connected to Newcastle I had no idea how fast that train was moving. Now more than common transfer window rumor feed, with Yedlin landing in Newcastle earlier today it appears the move from Tottenham is imminent.
Yedlin's services were being courted by many clubs. Relegation partners Aston Villa were seen as the truest competitors to Rafa Benitez's efforts, along with early interest from recently promoted Hull City and fellow Championship club Derby County. Sunderland was also pursuing Yedlin with passion, however they only wanted him on loan.
The former Seattle Sounder offers Benitez options on the pitch. While Yedlin's natural position is an attacking right back, he can also play midfield. His arrival would allow Vernon Anita to vacate as a stop gap at right back, and move back to midfield.
Bringing in Yedlin is a significant haul considering the present state of the defensive back four. Just today Newcastle lost depth as Kevin Mbabu was loaned to Young Boys. There is also the Daryl Janmaat watch, with both West Ham United and Watford claiming victory.
According to Sky Sport Watford is the victor.
WATCH: Watford agree a fee for Daryl Janmaat. Full story here: https://t.co/SagMisim65 https://t.co/Lzc5KDuEkN
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) August 23, 2016
Yedlin's tenure at Spurs has been one of frustration. His ability to see the pitch were hampered because he sat behind Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier on the depth chart.
He was loaned out to Sunderland in September of 2015, and for the season totalled 23 appearances. In his Sunderland debut he notched an assist in a 4-1 Cup loss to Manchester City, but for the most part he was seen as struggling to become a permanent fixture for Sam Allardyce's club. However, by season's end his play was lauded, and he was seen as a critical to piece to the Black Cats survival. Yedlin was specifically called out for his exceptional play in a 0-0 draw in late April against Chelsea, a match that brought them out of the bottom three.
When asked about his time at Sunderland Yedlin noted:
"For the first six months it was really challenging, but that’s what I needed. "At the time I said, ‘maybe I shouldn’t have done this, maybe I should have done something different.’ "But that six months and the struggles I had to go through, I think that helped me grow a ton as a player and a person, which is ultimately what I wanted for the move."
Yedlin is in attendance for Newcastle's EFL match against Cheltenham, and is expected to complete his physical within the next 24 hours. The price to sign DeAndre is being reported at £5million.