Juventus are willing to sell Douglas Costa for a reduced £25 million this summer with Newcastle United linked to a ten-time league champion, as reported by TuttoJuve.
Two months ago, when it seemed only a matter of days before a sleeping giant was set to be awoken by a Saudi Arabian billionaire, the Magpies were being linked with some of the biggest names on planet earth.
But, with Mohammed Bin Salman still conspicuous by his absence on Tyneside, rumours with Kalidou Koulibaly, Edinson Cavani and even Mauricio Pochettino have disappeared from the gossip columns.
TuttoJuve claimed in May that Newcastle were planning triple-raid of Serie A champions Juventus with Costa in their sights alongside midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot.
Now, the prospect of a former Bayern Munich superstar rocking up at St James’ Park to shake hands with Mike Ashley feels like some outlandish vision from the most acidic of fever dreams.
But perhaps we cannot rule out the sight of Costa pulling on those black and white stripes after all, even if Ashley’s long-awaited departure is held up by an endless supply of red tape.
Reports from Italy are now claiming that Juventus will sell one of the most explosive and exciting wingers in world football for £25 million.
Juve were initially demanding closer to £40 million but, thanks to an ongoing financial crisis, have been forced to drop their demands.
£25 million is hardly pocket change but, if Newcastle were happy to pay £40 million for a far less decorated Brazilian last summer, perhaps Costa represents an opportunity too good to be missed.
Then again, given that he is due to turn 30 in September, Costa is about as far from the typical Ashley signing as it is possible to get.
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