Newcastle United are reportedly once again trying to lure Sampdoria’s Belgian midfielder Dennis Praet from Serie A to the Premier League.
For the third transfer window in a row, Newcastle United are trying to sign Belgian play-maker Dennis Praet.
The Sun stated that the Magpies made an unsuccessful £17.5 million bid last summer and, according to the Chronicle, Rafa Benitez was keen to try again in January. However the limited budget given to him by Mike Ashley made luring the Sampdoria midfielder to St James’ Park impossible.
Although Gazzetta dello Sport (4 May, page 12) claims that Benitez has not accepted defeat just yet.
The Italian outlet says that Newcastle are still dreaming of signing the former Anderlecht talent, but their chances of doing so have just got harder, and not just because Juventus, Roma and Sevilla are interested.
Gazzetta claims that Praet has a release clause in his contract worth around £23 million.
But Samp believe that the 23-year-old is worth more in today’s market and are considering increasing the clause, with his current deal not due to expire until 2021. At £23 million, Praet would already stretch Newcastle’s summer budget to its limit.
Adding a few more million to his price-tag could mean Benitez is destined to miss out yet again, especially with a deal to sign Kenedy permanently from Chelsea understood to be Newcastle’s priority.
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