Steve Bruce is hopeful Valentino Lazaro could sign in the next ’24 to 48 hours’ – but suggests there’s now added competition for his signature after talk of his move to Tyneside was leaked to the press.
The Newcastle boss accepts it is ‘common knowledge’ that his agent, Max Hagmayr, was on Tyneside over the weekend for talks, however seems frustrated that news of his potential arrival has been made so public.
That said, he sounds hopeful that a deal will still be wrapped up, even if his comments suggest reports of a late approach from RB Leipzig may be true.
Here’s what he’s had to say this lunchtime when asked about
“We hope that the boy (arrives).
“It is fairly common knowledge that his agent was at St James’ Park at the weekend.
“We hope we can develop it.
“But when it gets out like it does, it adds to the competition.
“We will see what the next 24 to 48 hours brings.”
So, the good news is it seems to be close with Bruce ‘hopeful’ he’ll sign, however the bad news is our pursuit of him has been leaked – and it seems we now have late competition for his signature.
It feels like we’re edging closer to this one, but with reports in Italy suggesting offers are also on the table from RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen and West Ham, this could yet be a deal we end up missing out on if we don’t get it wrapped up soon.
Report from both the Chronicle and the Northern Echo claim we’re closing in on his signature, but it may be wise to hold your horses until we see the Austrian pictured holding a black and white shirt aloft at St James’ Park!
