Newcastle are reportedly ‘observing’ AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu but the Toon have suffered a blow in their pursuit of the Frenchman – with CalcioMercato reporting that Kalulu is about to extend his contract with the Serie A giants.
Kalulu, 22, joined Milan from Lyon without playing a single senior match for the French club, in 2020. He has gone on to play 75 times in all competitions for the Serie A side, helping Milan win the title last term. He has a deal until 2025.
The defender – who is able to play in the middle of the defence, or on the right – is a target for Newcastle. Italian site CMW claim that Kalulu is a target for Newcastle, as the Toon continue to bring in players to aid their long-term project.
However, Newcastle now look unlikely to land the Milan star. That is because Kalulu is close to signing a new deal. Having changed his agents, he is set to win a new deal that sees him almost triple his salary. To £34,000 a week.
Newcastle blow in Kalulu pursuit: Frenchman set to sign new Milan deal
Kalulu would be a superb addition at Newcastle. If the Toon were to improve their options in defence, which is already very strong, then a bit of depth is ideal. Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn have been excellent.
But Schar, Trippier and Burn are in their thirties. Eddie Howe needs to improve the future options of his defence, and Kalulu at just 22 is a superb talent. CMW say he is valued at £26million, and he would offer cover in two positions.
At right-back and at centre-back. He could be the long-term replacement for Trippier, or Schar. But it now seems Kalulu is to remain at Milan and you can hardly blame him. Champions League football, Serie A winners. A good player.
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