Newcastle want one of Jurgen Klopp’s dream signings.
Newcastle United have reportedly made “contact” with Juventus about the possibility of signing Federico Chiesa.
The Italy international has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has said he is a big fan of the player.
According to La Republicca, Newcastle have inquired about Chiesa’s availability and are expected to make an official offer in the coming days.
Chiesa has fallen out of favor with coach Massimiliano Allegri and is on the transfer list this summer. Reports from Italy earlier this year claimed Klopp had “great respect” for Chiesa despite there being links to his move to Liverpool in the summer.
Juventus are reportedly seeking a transfer fee of around £51m (€60m) for the 25-year-old, who joined the Italian giants on a permanent deal last season after spending two seasons on loan. Fiorentina at the Allianz Arena.
Chiesa has been a fixture in the 2020-21 Serie A season, making 30 appearances, but his playing minutes have dwindled since returning after a cruciate ligament rupture he suffered in January last year.
He made just 21 appearances last season, most of them from the bench. Newcastle are hoping to bring in Chiesa to replace Allan Saint-Maximin, who is heavily linked with a move from St James’ Park this summer. Another option is Harvey Barnes from Leicester.
Given that he is available for half the price of Chiesa (£25m) and has a much better injury record, the Englishman is believed to be high on Eddie Howe’s shortlist.
When asked specifically about Barnes’ future at King Power Stadium during his first press conference as manager of the Foxes, Enzo Maresca gave a very timid answer: “The market is open, anything can happen. We can bring in players, but at the same time we can sell them,” he said.
The Magpies have already made a marquee to sign this window with the acquisition of Sandro Tonali from Milan for £55m. However, they should do more business before the window closes on September 1.
Howe is reportedly keeping tabs on Southampton full-back Tino Livramento and Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi as he looks to bolster his already excellent defensive line ahead of the new season.
