Included in their LIVE transfer blog, the Daily Mail relay a report from Italian outlet Il Sicolo XIX suggesting Newcastle United have turned their attentions to Serie A.
Indeed, the Magpies are said to have bid for Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet as Rafa Benitez looks to add to his squad before the close of the transfer window. While six players have been brought to the club since winning promotion from the Championship, it’s proved a difficult period for the Toon Army.
Benitez has publically admitted his frustration about Newcastle’s transfer dealings, though are reportedly prepared to pay around £13m to sign the aforementioned Belgian international.
He’s become a mainstay in midfield for I Blucerchiati after joining from Anderlecht last summer, making 32 appearances in Genoa, though chipped in with just a goal and an assist last term.
While plying his trade in Belgium, he’ll have played alongside the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba and he also managed to break into the Belgium squad back in 2014.
Central midfield could certainly use some strengthening, with Jack Colback widely expected to leave St. James’ Park and Praet would go some way into helping ease some transfer frustration on Tyneside.
Thoughts?
