Verona are interested in Newcastle United defender Achraf Lazaar, according to journalist Nicolo Schira.
The Calciomercato journalist claimed that a return to Italy is most likely for the former Palermo left-back, with European clubs having until the beginning of September to complete transfers.
Schira revealed the news on his personal Twitter account on Thursday evening, naming Verona as the club interested in a move.
Lazaar was one of the names left out of Steve Bruce’s 25-man Premier League squad after failing to make an impression during pre-season under the new manager – despite the fact he signed the 27-year-old on loan during his spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season.
OPINION
Given the fact that Lazaar has never made an impact at St James’ Park, the club should be proactive in looking to sell the Moroccan international in the next week. The left-back has only made 10 appearances for the Magpies, despite being at the club for three years. It appeared as if Lazaar could have been handed a lifeline at the club when Bruce arrived, but given the fact even he didn’t name him in the club’s Premier League squad, a permanent exit has to be the only option. Lazaar only made four appearances last season in the Championship, won a poor average of 0.5 aerial duels per game [WhoScored] and struggled to contribute to attacks from a wing-back role. The 27-year-old had a poor pass success rate of 75% and only averaged a cross once every two games [WhoScored]. Those stats combined all but prove Lazaar is not cut out to make it in the Premier League, with Newcastle surely crossing their fingers that Verona come in with a suitable offer for the Moroccan in the next week or so.
