Newcastle United are now showing an interest in signing Luis Muriel, and could even start negotiations with Atalanta over a transfer for the Juventus target as soon as this Saturday.
Newcastle now interested in rivalling Juventus for Luis Muriel of Atalanta
According to TuttoMercatoWEB, Newcastle United are now interested in rivalling Juventus for the transfer of Atalanta striker Luis Muriel. And the Toon could even begin talks over a deal for the Colombia international as soon as Saturday, with Eddie Howe keen on a move.
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Juventus have already begun their pursuit of the 31-year-old as Massimiliano Allegri strives to re-establish the Bianconeri as Serie A’s top side. But the Turin powerhouse will not have a clear path to Muriel’s services, with the Magpies now launching their own ambitious bid.
Newcastle are weighing up their valuation of Muriel ahead of holding talks with Atalanta in the coming hours. Talks may start as early as Saturday, August 6, with Howe determined to improve the striker options available at St James’ Park with Callum Wilson and Chris Wood.
Muriel may emerge as a budget-friendly option for the Tyneside outfit, having entered the final year of his contract. La Dea handed the 45-cap international a four-year deal when he joined from Sevilla for an initial €15m (£12.5m) with up to €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons in 2019.
Juventus reluctant to meet Atalanta asking price in advanced talks
Howe has now turned his interest toward Newcastle signing Muriel after the Atalanta star scored 14 goals last term. He also offered 10 assists over 39 games across all competitions, including nine – and nine goals – from 27 Serie A appearances, of which he only started 17.
The Toon will have to overtake interest from Juventus to strike a deal with La Dea for their 5 ft 10 marksman. But Calciomercato note that while negotiations between the Bianconeri and Atalanta are at an advanced stage, Allegri is reluctant to pay the Bergamo side’s price.
Atalanta want to recoup the €15m (£12.5m) they paid Sevilla three years ago, but Juventus feel that is too much for a 31-year-old. Even if it is for a player whom Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi named as a stronger competitor than Cristiano Ronaldo in the past.
“I am not going to say [Ronaldo] is the best player in Italy, I believe there are better players than him,” the Ukraine international said in 2019, via quotes by Football Italia. “I can say the best player I’ve played with is Muriel.
“He is an incredible footballer. If things had gone differently, he could have played for Barcelona, it’s hard to believe why it hasn’t happened. Maybe it depends on his character, but Muriel is the soul of our dressing room”
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