Fabrizio Romano claims Newcastle United are showing the strongest interest in signing Genoa defender Radu Dragusin.
Newcastle United scouts are showing a big interest in signing Genoa centre back Radu Dragusin in 2024.
That is according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking on Kick Streaming about Dragusin.
The Magpies have seen Sven Botman go down with an injury and more defensive depth may be needed moving forward.
Newcastle will want to sign a player with some potential for the future and their focus appears to be on Genoa ace Dragusin.
Newcastle United keen on Genoa’s Radu Dragusin
Agent Florin Manea has indicated that he held talks with Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to discuss a Dragusin move.
Fabrizio Romano now claims that Newcastle are the club showing the most interest in landing the Romanian in 2024.
Romano suggests that Dragusin is ‘one of the most talented centre backs’ in Italian football and Newcastle scouts ‘really appreciate’ him.
Romano isn’t aware of any negotiations right now but does think that Genoa are gearing up to sell him in the summer – even with a new contract in the pipeline.
Arsenal and Tottenham may be keen but it sounds like Newcastle are pushing themselves to the front of the queue.
“His agent spoke about the opportunity to go to the Premier League, he mentioned many clubs,” said Romano. “For those that don’t know him, he’s the centre back of Genoa, one of the most talented centre backs in Serie A, he’s doing very well.”
“From what I’m hearing, the club that is really following him closely is Newcastle. Newcastle really appreciate the player, Newcastle are following him, Newcastle scouts have been in attendance multiple times this season to follow Radu Dragusin and Genoa.”
“To sign a player is something different, at the moment I’m not aware of any negotiation with Newcastle or any other club but Radu Dragusin is going to be one to watch for sure in 2024, because Genoa are expected to extend his contract but the extension is going to be moved towards sell him, potentially in the summer,” he added.
Who is Newcastle target Dragusin?
Dragusin spent time with Sportul Studentesc and Regal Sport Bucuresti in his native Romania before being plucked by Juventus as a teenager.
The 6ft 3in centre back only managed one league appearance for Juventus but did show promise on loan at Sampdoria and Salernitana.
Dragusin spent last season on loan at Genoa in Serie B before turning the move permanent earlier this year.
Now shining in Serie A, the 21-year-old appears destined for big things and has already recorded 13 Romania caps.
Dragusin is a right-footer so wouldn’t be natural competition for Botman, but could provide depth for years to come in the Newcastle defensive ranks.
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