Major ‘doubt’ as Newcastle United enter race for Serie A talent

While Newcastle United’s quest for Premier League survival is put on hold for a couple of weeks due to the international break, there’s been no slowing down when it comes to the usual transfer speculation that surrounds the Toon Army.

With high expectations for this summer on Tyneside, there’s plenty of gossip doing the rounds.

Here’s all of the latest Newcastle United transfer news...

Toon eye Romagnoli

Newcastle United are interested in Alessio Romagnoli, with the defender’s AC Milan future remains in massive doubt as his contract runs down.

According to an update from Tutto Mercato Web, the Magpies are keen on making a summer swoop for the 27-year-old, who could be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Talks over an extension to the centre-back’s deal have come to a halt in recent weeks, despite Milan’s best efforts to reach some kind of agreement that would see him remain in Italy beyond the summer.

And Romagnoli’s situation has reportedly put the Toon Army on high alert as they prepare for their first preseason under new ownership.

Competition for the Italian’s service is likely to be fierce, however, with Barcelona, Manchester City and Manchester United all in the running for his signature too, according to Fichajes.

Triple link refuted

Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has poured cold water over a number of reports linking Newcastle United with high-profile summer acquisitions.

The Toon Army have been mentioned in relation to several world class talents in recent weeks, but writing on his Twitter account, the respected reporter gave a more sobering evaluation of Newcastle’s likely transfer strategy.

He said: “Since writing that NUFC will not be making superstar signings earlier this week I’ve seen spurious links with them being interested in Bale, Rudiger and Pogba on free transfers.

“They are not pursuing any of them. That is simply not the market they are operating in.”

Edwards also provided an update on the kind of budget that the Magpies will look to utilise over the coming months.

He said: “I don’t know a precise figure, but I’ve been told it’s less than the £90m in January.

“That doesn’t include player sales obviously and they need to move players on. Squad already too big. There are loans and free transfers too. It’s not a negative.”