Fabrizio Romano reveals Newcastle United transfer blow as Serie A target set to pen new deal

Newcastle United are reportedly set to miss out on a defensive transfer target as he prepares to sign a new deal with his current club.

The Magpies are one of several clubs across Europe said to be taking an interest in Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin after he impressed during a five year stay in Italy.  The nine-times capped Romania international initially moved to Serie A when he joined the youth ranks at Juventus in 2018 and he earned first-team experience during loan deals with Sampdoria and Salernitana over the following seasons.

A successful season-long loan stint at Genoa was converted into a permanent £4m move last summer and Dragusin’s form at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris has reportedly captured the attention of the likes of Newcastle, AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in recent months.

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the 21-year-old is close to committing his immediate future to Genoa in a move that will disappoint a number of his suitors.

Speaking via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Romano said: "Albert Gudmunsson and Radu Dragusin will both sign new long term deals at Genoa.  NUFC scouts recently in attendance to follow Dragusin as potential future CB target but Genoa want to keep both of them at least until June 2024.”

Magpies 'following' Argentina winger

Newcastle have been once again credited with an interest in Argentinean attacking midfielder Benjamin Rollheiser.

After leaving River Plate on a free transfer during the summer of 2022, the Estudiantes star has enjoyed an impressive season so far by netting 12 goals and providing six assists in 54 appearances for the Liga Professional club.

Newcastle were one of a number of Premier League clubs said to be monitoring Rollheiser’s progress in recent months and Argentinean news outlet Ole have now claimed the Magpies are ‘following the footsteps’ of the attacking midfielder - but are yet to make a firm offer for his services.