Newcastle United have offered £11million for Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
The Italian football news site claim that Rafa Benitez is a great admirer of the 25-year-old midfield destroyer and that the Magpies could accelerate the pursuit of the player due to their current manager.
Tuttomercatoweb state that Juventus want a fee in the region of £17.4million for Sturaro but could close a deal for somewhere between £13.1million and £13.9million.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes, but they going to have to do better than an £11million offer to seal a deal.
Sturaro, 25, is exactly the type of player needed to arrive at St James Park given his versatility and winning mentality.
The Italy international can play as a central or defensive midfielder while also being capable of featuring as a right-back if his side need him too.
Sturaro has lifted countless trophies while at the Italian giants and would add that touch of proven high-level quality that the Magpies’ current squad appear to lack.
Given the 25-year-old’s tackling ability, he would add the necessary bite to the Magpies’ midfield that they are currently lacking in order to back up their bark.
Nothing But Newcastle: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Sturaro has been linked with a move to the Magpies several times in this window and where there is smoke, there is probably fire.
While it’s clear that the Magpies’ first offer will no doubt be rejected as it’s significantly below Juventus’ current demand for the midfielder, there’s no reason to suggest that a deal is too far off being agreed.
The Italian giants seems like they’re willing to play ball over securing their midfielder’s exit, despite him playing 19 times for them in the 2017/18 campaign, and this could see the Magpies up their offer quickly.
It’s doubtful that the Premier League side would be willing to pay £17.4million for his services but a fee below £15million should be achievable.
Nothing But Newcastle: 5/10
