Mattia Destro could be ready for another stab at the big time after finding form at Bologna and Newcastle United could give him a chance.
Considering Mattia Destro has been linked with a move to the Premier League relentlessly over the last half decade, you could forgive Newcastle United fans for downplaying reports that the club have sent scouts to watch him in action this weekend, as reported by The Chronicle.
After all, clubs were being linked as far back as 2014 when Destro was making waves with Roma and a surprising omission from Italy’s World Cup squad.
The Daily Mail reports that the diminutive striker would have cost up to £20million at the time, however, meaning Newcastle could pull off a rather impressive bargain coup three summers on.
Bargain of the summer?
After all, The Chronicle claims that the Magpies could sign him for as little as £7million despite netting nine Serie A goals in a Bologna side who have struggled for consistency all season.
In truth, the 26-year-old is only now firing on a more regular basis after a number of seasons flattering to deceive.
He has netted 17 goals in two seasons in the Italian top flight for Roberto Donadoni’s side, though it appears that the one-time AC Milan loanee is unlikely to fulfil the potential that saw many tip him to be Italy’s next great goal poacher.
It is five years since the ceremonial ‘eighth king of Rome’, Francesco Totti, tipped Destro for the very top of the European game.
“We’re talking about a very promising young man here,” the eternal city’s eternal captain said in 2012, as reported by Football Italia. “I think that he could become a top player.
The eight-time Italy international may have fallen some way below expectations but a move to Newcastle would give him the chance to prove that there is still room for development.
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