Newcastle United ‘register interest’ in striker, ‘major player’ claim and £15m transfer boost

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move for Sassuolo and Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca - but face competition from Serie A giants Internazionale and Napoli.

The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most consistent frontmen with a series of impressive displays for I Nervoverdi this season.

A two-goal blast in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Bologna took his tally to 16 goals in 24 starts and took him into the top five goalscorers in Serie A.

His form led to a maiden call-up to the senior Italy squad and he made his debut as a substitute in a 5-0 win over Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier last August.

Scamacca has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting Inter are keen to partner him with Lautaro Martinez and Napoli see him as a possible replacement for Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked with a move to Tyneside.

United are said to have registered an interest in Scamacca and could have to break their transfer record to take the striker to St James Park.

Former midfielder offers advice over Magpies loan star

Joey Barton has suggested Newcastle youngster Elliot Anderson can become ‘a major player’ with his former club.

The attacking midfielder joined Bristol Rovers on loan during the final hours of the January transfer window and has impressed Barton by helping his side to a dramatic promotion on the final day of the League Two season.

Anderson will return to Tyneside this summer and is expected to be handed a chance to impress Howe during pre-season before a final decision is made over his future.

Barton admitted he sees the youngster as a ‘much better player’ than he was at the same age and believes he deserves an opportunity in the Magpies first-team.

He told BBC Radio Bristol: "I think Elliot is capable of getting in Newcastle’s first team this summer. I think if Eddie Howe plays him in some of the pre-season games, he’s a much better player than I was.

“He’s got a real chance of becoming a major player in Newcastle’s first team with the correct guidance in the next period, and what better club can you be at in English football at the minute."

Former Aston Villa midfielder keen on Magpies move

Reports in Italy have suggested Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout is a target of Newcastle.

The former Aston Villa star is said to have been on the radar of the Magpies and Napoli over the last six months and Roma have placed a £15million price tag on his head.

Area Napoli have reported Veretout is keen on a move back to the Premier League and would be open to joining Eddie Howe’s side next season.