Newcastle United are to return with a second bid for Juventus enforcer Stefano Sturaro after seeing an initial £11.5million offer rebuffed, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian site report that the 25-year-old midfielder has rejected the chance to move to China and is particularly keen on a move to St. James’ Park.
TMW claim that Newcastle will now raise their offer to £12.4million with another £1.7million in add-ons, with Juventus holding out for £16million.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Absolutely.
Sturaro is a powerful, no-nonsense midfielder who looks perfectly suited to make an instant impact in the Premier League with his physical play.
The 25-year-old is a four-cap Italy international, and still has time to develop after stagnating slightly at Juventus as he fell out of favour under Massimiliano Allegri.
Newcastle desperately need cover in central midfield, and Sturaro would be a perfect candidate to provide that alongside Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame next season, with a deal looking good value for money as well.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like Newcastle’s previously-reported interest in Sturaro is genuine, and this is a deal which does look to have a chance of happening.
The issue here will obviously be price, with Juventus holding out for £16million, and bonuses could become a key part of the deal.
If Newcastle manage to structure a deal worth £16million with a lower initial pay-out, then the two sides could indeed come to an agreement that suits all involved.
However, with Mike Ashley around, anything is possible, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the deal fall through over finances.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 3/10
