Bologna keen on Lazaar, sporting director phones Benitez to discuss deal

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Bologna are keen on Achraf Lazaar.

Bologna are hopeful of pulling off a deal to sign Newcastle defender Achraf Lazaar.

Italian website Gazzamercato report Bologna sporting director Riccardo Bigon phoned Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez personally to sound him out over a potential transfer.

Newcastle signed Lazaar from Palermo last summer but he has failed to establish himself in the team.

The Morocco international played just four Championship games for Newcastle and an exit seems inevitable.

A return to Italy is a sensible solution for the left-back, although it is unclear if Bologna are seeking a permanent transfer or a loan deal.

The Shields Gazette reported at the weekend that Lazaar is currently working with agents in Italy in order to try and secure a move away from Newcastle.

Gazzamercato’s report does not detail the outcome of Bigon’s call to Benitez, although speculating – it is hard to imagine the Spaniard would discourage interest in a player exit which could free up funds for Newcastle.

Bologna kicked off their Serie A campaign at the weekend with a 1-1 draw against Torino.