According to the Chronicle, Sassuolo centre-back Gian Marco Ferrari ‘could be an option’ for Newcastle this summer after Italian reports linked him with a move to St James’ Park.
The report states that Benitez will be looking to sign another centre-back if and when Chancel Mbemba’s move to Anderlecht goes through, and it seems the 26-year-old Italian may be on his wish-list.
The 6ft 2′ defender made 31 appearances during a loan spell with at Sampdoria last season, scoring twice and helping them to a top 10 finish in Serie A, however he looks set to return to Sassuolo next month.
NEW: Defender 'could be an option' for #nufc if they move Chancel Mbemba on: https://t.co/H6CI4kLdYq
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) May 31, 2018
Sampdoria are said to be keen on securing him permanently after impressing on loan, however it’s been claimed in Italy that both ourselves and Fulham are also in the mix to sign him.
He’s believed to have a £11.5m release clause, however I suspect we may be looking to sign him for a shade less than that if he’s coming in as covering centre-back and replacement for Chancel Mbemba.
Here’s him in action:
