Newcastle United are monitoring Hull City's 19-year-old Australian defender Lucas Herrington. The centre-back has started seven of the Tigers' opening nine Premier League matches since his summer arrival.
Graeme Bailey, a reporter who has tracked the player's progress, said Newcastle's interest is not new. "Barcelona is not alone in their admiration," Bailey said. "Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United all showed an interest in Herrington, while Chelsea owners BlueCo and Manchester City parent company City Football Group also monitored his situation."
Herrington joined Hull from Colorado Rapids in the summer for a fee around €14.8 million, with his contract at the MKM Stadium running until 2031. There is no indication Hull are willing to sell the player they signed only a few months ago. Barcelona had previously made a €10 million bid for the defender before his move to England was completed.
The young Australian international, who has eight senior caps, has settled quickly into life in the Premier League. Hull currently sit 13th in the table with 11 points from their first 10 games, a record of two wins, five draws and three defeats. Their recent form shows three draws and two losses from the last five matches, including a 1-0 defeat away to league leaders Arsenal last Saturday.
Herrington's emergence comes as Hull prepare for a tough run of fixtures, starting with a home game against second-placed Brighton on 22 November. The Tigers' defence has conceded 11 goals this season, the same number they have scored, with top scorer M. Belloumi netting three times. With Herrington a key part of their plans, Hull will be determined to retain his services as they look to climb the standings.
First reported at SB Nation
