Newcastle United won’t be signing 113-goal free agent striker debated by fans - here’s why

Andrea Belotti is set to sign a for Roma when Eldor Shomurodov completes his proposed move to Bologna.

The 28-year-old is currently a free agent after ending his seven-year spell with Serie A side Torino this summer.

Belotti scored 113 goals in 251 appearances for Torino after joining from Palermo and was part of the Italy squad that won Euro 2020.

Despite interest from abroad, the striker has decided to remain in Italy by agreeing a three-year contract with Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

And with that ends all speculation surrounding Belotti, with Newcastle among the Premier League clubs previously credited with interest.

There were doubts over how genuine United’s interest apparently was with head coach Eddie Howe preferring a younger centre forward, one that has potential to grow with the club.

Not only that, Magpies fans debated on social media whether or not signing Belotti would be a good move for Howe - and the responses were mixed.

What Newcastle fans said about Belotti

@antallen: Not bad stats. He averages a goal every 2.24 games and normally plays most matches - most recent season aside. I’d take him to play 2nd fiddle to Wilson.

@ScottW1110: Absolutely! Proven goalscorer in a solid league. Get him in!

@AlexA5096753: I would so love this guy at Newcastle, he’s a quality passionate player with endless skill, with him being a free agent they have to take him what a bargain. Push it to happen.

@Dave_Mooney: Yes! I think he’s the type of deal the club could secure under the radar. Some good free transfers available out there. I’d be surprised if we’re not working on a few already.

@gtc_195: Not for me. Watch a lot of Serie A and he’s not very mobile or quick at all, if we want a player as backup to Wilson, Chris Wood is just as capable.

@alexvalente_1: Not in a million years. As omeone who watches Italy regularly, he is no better than Wood.

@TheMoojuMan: No, not at all. Good player, not very good though. A leader in the dressing room, and, while he may have been the main man at torino, he is often a passenger for Italy. Says a lot that Milan, the club he supports, haven’t tried to sign him.