Newcastle United and Wolves show ‘interest’ in Serie A star after Juventus transfer decision

Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have both been credited with an interest in Turkey international Merih Demiral after major claims over his future were reported in the Italian media.

The 25-year-old centre-back has spent the last four years in Serie A after joining Sassuolo on loan from Portuguese club Sporting CP in January 2019. His form for the Neroverdi led to a permanent switch but he would start the following season with Juventus after they completed a £13m move for the defender during the summer transfer window.

After initially impressing with Juve, an anterior cruciate ligament injury hampered his progress and ruled him out of Euro 2020. He would spend the entirity of last season on loan at Atalanta, making 42 appearances across all competitions before converting that temporary move into a permanent switch last summer.

He has continued to be a regular presence in the Atalanta side as they challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League and they head into the final games of the season sat within striking distance of a top four place. However, Italian outlet TuttoJuve have now claimed there is doubt over Demiral’s future with Atalanta and have suggested he could be allowed to depart at the end of the season if a suitable offer arrives.

Juventus are said to be ‘interested in the situation’ as they had a 10% sell-on clause inserted into the deal that took the defender to Atalanta and both Newcastle and Wolves are mentioned as possible suitors for the centre-back. Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen to take Demiral to the Bundesliga and crucially the report states Atalanta will not accept less than the £17.5m fee they paid for the Turkey star less than 12 months ago.

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