Newcastle’s search for another right-back has become more urgent during a summer of major changes at St James’ Park.
Kieran Trippier left when his contract expired after more than four influential years with the club.
The former captain made over 150 appearances and helped Newcastle qualify twice for the Champions League before lifting the Carabao Cup in 2025.
His departure removed an experienced alternative to Tino Livramento and another important leader from the dressing room.
Livramento is expected to become Newcastle’s first-choice right-back, but his own fitness problems have exposed the lack of cover behind him.
The England international missed the World Cup because of injury and has been unable to complete a normal pre-season thus far.
Newcastle have consequently examined several full-backs, including Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu and Toulouse youngster Dayann Methalie.
Methalie now appears likely to join Sunderland if the clubs can agree a fee, leaving Newcastle to consider other options.
Matthias Jaissle’s imminent arrival provides further reason to target an athletic defender.
The German coach favours intense pressing and quick forward attacks, requiring his full-backs to cover large areas and support play at both ends of the pitch.
Givairo Read appears to suit those demands.
REUTERS/Maurice Van Steen
The 20-year-old Dutchman began his career with Volendam before joining Feyenoord in 2023.
He made his Feyenoord debut at only 17 during a Europa League match against Roma, the club now leading the race to sign him.
Read’s major breakthrough came during the 24/25 campaign, though.
Injuries to more senior defenders created an opportunity, and he responded by establishing himself as Feyenoord’s starting right-back.
His attacking performance against FC Twente was particularly impressive.
Read registered three assists in a 6-2 victory, becoming the youngest player to create three goals in one Eredivisie match since Wesley Sneijder in 2003.
He also started both legs as Feyenoord eliminated AC Milan from the Champions League knockout play-off round.
Read ended that season with 33 appearances in all competitions, three goals and six assists.
His progress was rewarded with a new contract until 2029, while Feyenoord named him as one of their vice-captains before last season. However, his 2025/26 campaign was disrupted by injuries.
Read was restricted to 16 Eredivisie appearances, although he still managed one goal and three assists from out wide.
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He suffered a hamstring injury in November and was sidelined for the remainder of 2025. He attempted to return against Heerenveen in January but aggravated the injury.
Although the initial prognosis was at least six weeks, he did not play again until April.
Read eventually recovered and scored a late winner against Fortuna Sittard to help Feyenoord eventually secure Champions League qualification.
His speed, close control and willingness to overlap make him a dangerous attacking full-back.
Newcastle make approach for Feyenoord star Givairo Read
REUTERS/Maurice Van Steen
Voetbal International now reports that Newcastle have enquired about Read, although Roma currently lead the race.
The Italian club have submitted an offer worth at least £23 million and are in active negotiations with Feyenoord.
Read has reportedly agreed terms on a five-year contract, while a Roma delegation is prepared to travel to the Netherlands in an attempt to complete the deal quickly.
Nottingham Forest also remain involved despite seeing three offers rejected.
The Premier League club could return with a fourth proposal to challenge Roma’s position. Bayern Munich and Paris FC have also made enquiries, highlighting the level of competition Newcastle would face.
At present, Newcastle’s approach appears exploratory rather than an attempt to hijack the transfer.
They would need to move quickly if Read becomes a serious target.
Roma have already established an advantage, while Feyenoord’s long contract gives them little reason to accept anything below their valuation.
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