OPINION
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has a busy summer ahead as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for a European place next season.
There are several areas of the Magpies squad that need strengthening, and adding depth to central midfield is most certainly one of them.
First choice duo Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame had a brilliant second half to the season together, but there was a real lack of alternatives in that position for Benitez.
Young Spaniard Mikel Merino showed great promise at the start of the campaign, but his form took a massive nosedive and he could be on the way out this summer amid heavy interest from Spain.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Benitez has made an initial approach for Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro, who looks to be on his way out of Turin this summer.
The 25-year-old destroyer made just 19 appearances this season for the Bianconeri, and with so much talent ahead of him at the club, he is attracting attention from several other teams.
While Sturaro may not be the most exciting midfield player, his tenaciousness and defensive work in the middle of the park is something that every side needs.
That kind of player is something that Newcastle are currently lacking, with Shelvey there to spray passes around and Diame playing more of a box-to-box role.
Sturaro’s terrier-like presence in central midfield would add another dimension to the Newcastle side next season, providing extra cover for their defence while freeing up others to express themselves going forward.
His experience of winning titles with Juventus is another bonus, with Sturaro having lifted four league titles and four Italian cups with the club.
That kind of winning mentality is another thing that is needed at Newcastle if they are to climb the table, and a move for Sturaro therefore makes perfect sense this summer.
Newcastle must blow their rivals for his signature out of the water, and secure a signing that could take them to the next level in the coming season.
