Newcastle United are one of three clubs with Marseille and Napoli battling over Roma star Jordan Veretout, with Eddie Howe set to revive the Magpies’ mid-season transfer interest.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Toon, OM and Azzurri are the last clubs in contention for Veretout’s services. The Frenchman is set to leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season, with a decision to part close, having now fallen highly out of favour.
Jose Mourinho had initially favoured the 29-year-old over the opening months of his time in Rome. But after Veretout started his opening 21 Serie A appearances – missing one via suspension in November – he has only made six of his last seven outings from the bench.
Veretout had offered a creative threat from the heart of the Giallorossi engine room. But four goals and seven assists have not been enough to avoid doubt building over his future. But a move to either of AC Milan or Inter is unlikely, with the Magpies, OM and Azzurri more likely.
Newcastle battling Marseille, Napoli for Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout
Newcastle, Marseille and Napoli are considered the final three clubs battling for Veretout, with Roma likely to sanction a transfer. The Toon had also considered a move for the five-cap France international in January, with Foot Mercato reporting they prepared an offer.
Yet Roma fended off any and all mid-season approaches by setting a €25-30m (£21-25m) valuation, per Calciomercato. No club was willing to match the Giallorossi’s asking price. While the Giallorossi are unwilling to match Veretout’s requests to sign a new contract.
According to Per Sempre Calcio, the midfielder, who Tim Sherwood called ‘really exciting’ when he joined Aston Villa in 2015, has asked for a €3.5m-a-year (£56k-a/w) salary to pen a new deal. A figure Roma that are firmly opposed to offering the 2024 free agent at present.
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