NUFC plot bargain move for the “new Virgil Van Dijk” as Bruce makes special request – Report

According to reports in Italy, Newcastle have been stepping up their interest in Juventus talent Radu Dragusin.

The 19-year-old Romanian, dubbed the ‘new Virgil Van Dijk’, is out of contract in the summer and media outlet Calciomercato report that Bruce has made a ‘specific request’ about the player after being highly recommended by club scouts.

With his future in doubt and a new deal with the Serie A giants in doubt, we could sign him at a bargain fee this summer, with a compensation fee likely to be the only cost involved if he did run down his contract.

Despite being highly rated by Italian powerhouses, Dragusin has only made one senior appearance for Juventus but has been their star man at youth level and represents Romania U-21’s.

The Van Dijk comparisons come from the fact he’s a man mountain at 6ft 3′, but also mobile and confident in possession – suggesting the highly-rated teen has real potential and the raw traits of the ideal modern day defender.

Our injury prone backline has struggled to stay fit over the last 18 months. Despite having five experienced centre half options at the club, Isaac Hayden has had to fill in at the back for lengthy periods of time – not to mention the fact most of our options are getting on and in their 30’s.

While I do admit to knowing very little about the player, he must have some talent in his locker if he’s been part of Juventus’ defence in the UEFA Champions League!