A round-up of Tuesday’s Newcastle United transfer stories.
Badou Ndiaye (right) of Osmanlispor celebrates
Galatasaray’s Papa Alioune ‘Badou’ N’Diaye and Trabzonspor’s Yusuf Yazıcı, both midfielders, are the pair in question – although the former, a rumoured target for the Magpies earlier this summer, has only recently switched clubs.
Contrary to recent reports, Newcastle have not bid for Sampdoria’s Dennis Praet – another midfielder – according to Calciomercato.
Dennis Praet (right) of Sampdoria in action
The Magpies are said to have made offers ranging from £12.8 million to £17.4 million depending on the source, but the Italian website claims La Samp do not want to sell the Belgian, who has a £22.9 million release clause.
Staying in Italy, Gazzamercato reports that Bologna’s sporting director Riccardo Bigon has phoned Rafa Benitez personally to sound him out about a move for Newcastle left-back Achraf Lazaar.
The Rossoblu are said to be hopeful of pulling off a deal for the former Palermo player, and the report would appear to tie in with Benitez’s comments to The Shields Gazette on Tuesday.
Achraf Lazaar of Newcastle United in action
“I think we are closer (to moving players out) than two days ago,” said the Toon boss. “But I still do not know how close. We are still working on players behind the scenes.”
Lazaar played only four times for Newcastle in the league last season.
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