WATFORD have held another round of talks with Newcastle United officials in an attempt to seal a loan deal for Jamal Lewis.

The Hornets want to sign Lewis on a season-long loan, having identified the left-back as a leading defensive target.

Swansea City have also expressed an interest in securing Lewis’ services, but at this stage, it is Watford’s interest that is at a more advanced stage.

Newcastle will almost certainly allow Lewis to leave this summer as they already boast Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Paul Dummett as left-back options, and are also hoping to sign another full-back before the transfer window closes at the end of next month.

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While that full-back could well be a right-back, with talks over Southampton’s Tino Livramento ongoing, the arrival of a right-sided defender would potentially free up Kieran Trippier to switch over to the left on occasion if required.

The terms of a potential loan deal for Lewis are yet to be fully agreed, however, so at this stage, the Northern Ireland international remains a part of Eddie Howe’s squad in the United States.

Lewis played in a wide-attacking role during Newcastle’s 2-1 friendly win at Rangers last week, but was not part of the 26-man matchday squad for Sunday evening’s 3-3 draw with Aston Villa in the opening game of the Premier League Summer Series.