Newcastle United defender Achraf Lazaar could soon be joining Italian side Genoa as there have been positive discussions about a potential deal for him, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The reliable journalist states via his personal website that the Serie A side were expected to make fresh contact about signing the Magpies left-back shortly but as talks had gone well so far then a breakthrough in proceedings may only be a few hours away.
Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Genoa are in the final stages of their pursuit of Lazaar who they are aiming to sign as a replacement for Diego Laxalt as he looks likely to join AC Milan ahead of the Italian transfer window closing on Friday.
La Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported that Genoa were aiming to take the full-back on loan and were hoping that the Magpies would cover some of his £17,000-a-week wages in order for them to be able to afford to take him.
OPINION
It would be fantastic if the Magpies were able to get Lazaar off their books anytime soon when you consider his bumper pay packet. The left-back has struggled at the Magpies ever since joining and it would be a blessing for all parties involved if he secured an exit this summer. While Rafa Benitez may not have many left-backs to choose from at the club, it seems the Spaniard has no interest in giving Lazaar another crack at the first-team any time soon. The 26-year-old has only featured 10 times for the Magpies’ first-team with none of those appearances having been made in England’s top-flight. Lazaar struggled in his four outings in the Championship so it’s hard to imagine him being ready anytime soon to feature in the Premier League even if first-choice left-back Paul Dummett ended up being sidelined through injury. Hopefully Lazaar is able to revive his career with Genoa if he seals a loan exit as it could help the Magpies actually get a respectable fee for his services next summer.
