According to Italian outlet, TuttoSport, Newcastle United have approached Torino skipper Andrea Belotti and his agents regarding a possible January move to Tyneside.
The piece claims that we have come forward with a ‘very interesting offer’ for the forward, who has been linked with a move to Tyneside on several occasions over the past year, with The Chronicle revealing in July that we’ve been scouting him for ‘a few years’.
NUFC’s search for a new striker became vital following the news Callum Wilson is now likely to be out for 4-6 weeks, following a calf strain, sustained during Newcastle’s recent plucky 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Belotti, whose contract runs out in the Summer, is considered to be one of the best strikers in Italian football, having notched 100 goals in Serie A – despite representing a mid-table side.
In addition, the 28 year old is noted for his physical prowess, strong work ethic and ability to press – all attributes that would make him an ideal fit for the premier League and importantly, Eddie Howe’s style of front-foot, pressing football.
Newcastle are likely to face competition from other clubs for the forward, with AC Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina all cited as potential suitors by the Italian press, yet most talk has centred around a Summer move.
The fact that the Belotti has been prepared to let his contract run down certainly suggests he is up for a new challenge.
And hopefully the lure of Premier League football plus a bumper pay package and signing on fee in January, can persuade him to sign for Newcastle, fill our void for a new striker and, most importantly, help us start climbing the table.
