Aston Villa join race for £35m Newcastle United transfer target amid Saudi interest

Newcastle United will reportedly face further competition for Juventus star Matias Soule if they do make a move for the Argentinean youngster during the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old winger is currently on a season-long loan with Juve’s Serie A rivals Frosinone and his impressive performances at the Stadio Benito Stirpe have captured the attention of several potential suitors.  However, Soule has also received some words of advice from his current manager, who believes there are still aspects of his play that can improve if he is to make an impact at the very top end of the game.

Speaking earlier this season, Frosinone manager Eusebio Di Francesco said of Soule: “In certain aspects, he resembles (Domenico) Berardi, but he must learn to shoot on goal more often. He doesn’t lack qualities and has excellent dribbling, but in the game, he needs to be more lucid when making his choices. My thought is that his talent should not be limited; with time and experience, he will improve in many aspects.”

Although he had already scored five goals in ten appearances prior to receiving that advice, Soule does seem to have taken his manager’s words on board and will head into the final months of his loan spell at Frosinone looking to add to the ten goals and two assists he has provided for his temporary employers.

What lies ahead at the end of the campaign remains to be seen, with Juventus reportedly preparing a new and improved contract for the Argentina Under-20 international. However, that deal will only be offered if the Bianconeri do not receive an offer of around £34m during the summer transfer window.

Italian outlet CalcioMercato have revealed Soule - who was the subject of an offer from Saudi club Al-Ittihad in January - is ‘not lacking’ in interest from potential suitors in England, naming Southampton, Crystal Palace and Newcastle as interested parties. However, a new name is also thrown into the mix after Aston Villa were also said to have ‘intensified’ their interest in the talented winger.