Newcastle United, Spurs and Aston Villa handed 'second chance' to land £12m-rated Serie A star

Newcastle United are reportedly set to be handed an opportunity to land one former target they missed out on during the January transfer window.

With concerns over the fitness of Sven Botman after he suffered an injury during the first half of the season, the Magpies were said to be keen to try and add a centre-back to their ranks during the winter trading period and several options across Europe were identified as possible targets. However, with their ongoing battle with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations hampering any attempts to boost Eddie Howe’s squad, the United manager has been forced to battle on throughout the remainder of a challenging season.

That meant the Magpies missed out of Lille’s highly-rated defender Tiago Djalo, who made a cut-price £3m move to Juventus after entering into the final six months of his contract with the Ligue 1 club. The Portugal Under-21 international’s brief spell in Turin has been difficult and he is yet to make a solitary appearance for the Serie A giants, despite being named amongst their substitutes on 15 occasions over the last four months.

That is all a far cry from the enthusiasm Djalo showed when he signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Juve as he said: “I’m really happy; Juventus are a huge team, a top side with many talented players. I feel great and it’s a huge day for me. I’m ready, I work hard. It’s a matter of opportunities. I feel good, the knee is doing well. As I said, it’s a matter of playing. I feel good, I train well every day, and I am happy to be here.”

A recent report in Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed Juventus manager Max Allegri was reluctant to put Djalo in his side as they continue their battle for a place in next season’s Champions League. The report suggests the 24-year-old could be offered on loan to several clubs next season and that could instigate interest from Newcastle, Wolves, Aston Villa and Spurs, who are all believed to be keen to strengthen defensively ahead of the new season.

The Magpies need to add to their defensive ranks has been increased by the news club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Djalo’s former Lille team-mate Botman are both unlikely to return to contention before December after suffering serious knee injuries over the last two months. Newcastle have been linked with several centre-backs during that time and the news Djalo could be available on a season-long loan deal could well aid the St James Park hierarchy as they look to remain inline with the Premier League and UEFA’s financial regulations.