Newcastle United to ‘hold meeting’ with AC Milan target, ‘almost certain’ to happen next week

Newcastle United are reportedly keen to make a move for Empoli star Kristjan Asllani - but face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan.

The 20-year-old midfielder only made his senior debut for Gli Azzurri in a Coppa Italia defeat against Napoli in January 2021 but has went on to establish himself in their side last season.

Asllani made 26 appearances in all competitions and has come to the attention of a number of clubs for a player tipped for ‘a great present and an even brighter future’ by Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

The report suggests AC Milan and city rivals are both ‘very interested’ in the defensive midfielder - but they hold different opinions on his future.

AC are willing to allow Asllani to return to Empoli on a season-long loan, but Inter wish to make him a part of their squad from next season.

Newcastle are also showing an interest and have ‘asked for a meeting’ with Empoli and the midfielder, which the report goes on to suggest will ‘almost certainly’ be head next week.

Magpies youngster attracting interest from League One clubs

Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers are keen on a loan move for Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson.

The Scotland Under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan with Rovers and played a key role in helping Joey Barton’s side secure promotion into English football’s third tier.

Anderson scored seven goals and provided six assists during his 21 appearances as Barton’s men claimed the third and final League Two promotion spot on a dramatic final day of the season.

And it was the Magpies youngster that grabbed the decisive seventh goal in the final day win over Scunthorpe United to edge out promotion rivals Northampton Town on goal difference.

Yorkshire Live have reported Sheffield Wednesday showed an interest in Anderson during the January transfer window and a ready to make a loan offer during the summer.

Former Magpies midfielder Barton is also keen to retain the services of the talented youngster - but both clubs could face an anxious wait with Magpies manager Eddie Howe keen to assess Anderson during pre-season.

Speaking after Anderson returned from his loan at Rovers, Howe commented: “We’ll certainly bring him back for pre-season.

“I’ll have a close look at him. He’ll be involved in pre-season games. We’ll make a decision then on whether he needs another loan, or whether he’s going to stay with us.”