Newcastle United are preparing to make Roma an offer for Jose Mourinho’s prised midfield star Jordan Veretout in the upcoming January transfer window, according to Foot Mercato.
The Toon are eager to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad in their first market under Saudi-led owners. They recognise the need to spend on mid-season reinforcements given their fight for Premier League survival, with the Magpies 19th in the standings at the halfway stage.
Newcastle have only won one game all season to eight draws and 10 defeats and boast the worst defensive record. No side has allowed more goals than the 42 United have conceded.
Scoring goals has also been difficult, if not impossible, as well. Newcastle have found the net 19 times over 19 games, the sixth-worst haul across the top-flight so far this term.
Newcastle prepare January transfer bid for Roma star Veretout
Howe likely considers Roma star Veretout an option who can add greater creativity to his midfield at Newcastle in January. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a strong Serie A season since Mourinho took over the Stadio Olimpico helm this summer.
Veretout has offered five assists and four goals over 18 Italian top-flight fixtures from deep, central and advanced midfield positions. He has also provided two assists across six outings in the Europa Conference League as a mainstay of Mourinho’s plans.
Mourinho has only been without Veretout in one Serie A game and two European ties since replacing Paulo Fonseca. The five-cap France maestro – who made his international debut in September – had endured a disrupted 2020/21 term, yet still scored 11 and assisted five.
Veretout’s form has firmly justified Roma’s transfer for the midfielder Newcastle now want in 2019. They signed him on loan for €1m (£840k) with a €16m (£13.5m) obligation to buy, plus €2m (£1.5m) in add-ons. Now, they will no doubt want back more than the £16m paid.
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