According to Football Italia, Newcastle are now ‘pushing’ to sign Juventus loanee Merih Demiral.
The Turkish international spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Atalanta, who have been handed the opportunity to sign the 24-year-old for £17m.
However, it seems the Serie A side are yet to make a decision on a permanent move – they’ve just missed out on European qualification and have financial troubles – meaning an opportunity could arise for Newcastle.
Football Italia report that we are are admirers of the 6ft 4′ defender, while Tuttosport have also released a piece on the Sassuolo star, stating we are keen to bring the big man to Tyneside.
Demiral isn’t described in either piece as an alternative to Sven Botman – who is edging closer to a move to St James’ Park if reports in Italy are to be believed – so it seems he could be the right-sided option and second centre-back we’re looking to bring in this summer.
With doubts existing around Jamaal Lascelles’ future and both Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark expected to move on, a move for an aggressive, young, right-footed centre-back could make sense.
Younger cheaper right sided CB than Diego Carlos. Very good defensive stats and a pass accuracy of 91%
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