Holland left-back Erik Pieters interested in Newcastle switch claims agent

Holland left-back Erik Pieters would be interested in joining Newcastle this summer, according to his agent.

The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven defender - currently sidelined with a foot injury - has been linked with a summer switch to Tyneside and although it is understood there has been no formal approach as yet, the idea is already interesting Pieters.

"He was interested last year," agent Piet van der Pol told the Newcastle Journal. "Newcastle United is a fantastic club and I know that Erik follows them because of his friendship with Tim Krul.

"If they come in for Erik of course he will be interested in talking to them, but right now the main thing that he is focused on is getting fit for Euro 2012. Newcastle have done tremendously this season and I know that there are a lot of players who would like to join them."

Pieters was a target for Newcastle last season after the departure of Jose Enrique, but delays in the deal led to the Magpies signing Davide Santon instead,

However, Pieters' ability to play centre-half as well as left-back has meant the club kept their interest alive.

PA