NUFC consider surprise move for €15m forward who impressed in pre-season friendly – Report

Newcastle have joined the chase for Atalanta striker Luis Muriel, according to reports in Italy.

The Colombia international has less than 12 months remaining on his contract and TuttoMercatoWeb claims that ourselves and Juventus are showing interest in a €15m (£12m) deal.

They claim there could be ‘possible contacts’ from the Toon to bring the South American to Tyneside, with Eddie Howe and co. apparently impressed by what they saw in last Friday’s friendly at St James’ Park.

Muriel bagged 14 goals and 10 assists in 39 appearances last season, managing a goal contribution every 1.5 games for Atalanta over the past three years.

The 31-year-old looked sharp in our 1-0 win over the Serie A side last week, starting up front alongside Duvan Zapata – a long-term target who has also been linked with a potential switch.

Muriel has played Champions League football in each of the last three seasons and could provide strong competition for Callum Wilson, although it wouldn’t surprise me if this was simply paper talk – especially when we seem unlikely to sign another striker over the age of 30.