Serie A winner on Newcastle United’s radar as AC Milan departure looms

Newcastle United are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Tiamoue Bakayoko - according to reports in Italy.

The 28-year-old joined the Blues in a £40million deal during the summer of 2017 and helped the Stamford Bridge club win the FA Cup during his first season in London.

However, that proved to be a rare highlight and he joined Serie A giants AC Milan on a season-long loan deal in August 2018 before making a similar move to former club Monaco 12 months later.

A return to Stamford Bridge proved to be short-lived as Napoli snapped up the once-capped France international on another loan in October 2020 but he spent a fourth consecutive season away from Chelsea when AC Milan completed a two-year loan deal for the midfielder last summer.

Bakayoko helped the Rossoneri claimed their first Serie A title in over a decade last season, making 14 appearances for Stefano Pioli’s side as they saw off a challenge from cross-city rivals Inter to secure the Scudetto.

However, recent reports in Italy have suggested Milan are keen to cut short his two-year deal and that has alerted a number of potential suitors.

Serie A newcomers Monza are reportedly leading the race for his signature but Nottingham Forest have also shown an interest in adding Bakayoko to their ever-growing list of summer signings.

However, CalcioMercato have now reported Newcastle have a ‘strong interest’ in the Chelsea star as they look to add ‘experience’ to their midfield options.

Bakayoko is not the first midfielder to be linked with a move to Tyneside in recent days after the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Leander Dendoncker and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher were all said to be on a list of targets for Magpies manager Eddie Howe.