Newcastle United ‘turned down’ £17 million transfer for Juventus defender

Newcastle United passed on the opportunity to sign former Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, according to reports.

The Magpies have been eagerly searching for defenders to add to their ranks and Demiral was one name that had been mentioned over the past week.

It is thought that the Turkey international was offered to the club last week, however they opted against snapping him up and instead Atalanta took up a €20million clause to buy him on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old joined the Italian side on loan last season and made 42 appearances in all competitions - also picking up a goal in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League.

Atalanta confirmed Demiral had made his move permanent yesterday, however Newcastle could still the defender as it has been reported that the signing by Atalanta was made with the intention of selling him on for profit.

However, it remains unlikely that Eddie Howe’s side will revisit their interest anytime soon and appear to be looking elsewhere.

Newcastle remain eager to land Lille’s Sven Botman and are waiting for an answer from the Dutchman, though it is believed he would prefer to join AC Milan this summer.

The Premier League club have already turned down the opportunity to sign James Tarkowski, who has now joined Everton, and have continued interest in a number of other defensive options.