Newcastle United are again being linked with Dennis Praet.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Newcastle United are again interested in signing Sampdoria playmaker Dennis Praet, having pursued him for almost a year.
The Magpies are edging ever closer to Premier League safety, and manager Rafael Benitez will need funds to boost his squad and ensure there isn’t another battle against relegation next season.
Permanent deals for loanees Martin Dubravka and Kenedy may be pursued, but Benitez should also be looking to snap up an attacking midfielder to play the No. 10 role in his 4-2-3-1 system, with Ayoze Perez somewhat hit and miss this season.
Now, Tutto Mercato Web report that Newcastle are again interested in signing Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet, who would figure to be the No. 10 Benitez is looking for.
Praet, 23, was a star with Anderlecht in his native Belgium before earning his 2016 move to Sampdoria, where he has notched just one goal and four assists in 56 appearances for the Italian side.
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad reported last summer that Praet was a top target for Benitez, and Newcastle were willing to spend €18million (£15.7million) on the playmaker, only for Sampdoria to demand around £17.5million.
Now, Sampdoria are claimed to be wanting north of £22.5million for Praet, as the asking price has shot up again, meaning the Magpies would have to break their transfer record to sign the Belgian international.
Praet has talent but hasn’t quite fulfilled his potential in Italy, and Newcastle should think twice before matching Sampdoria’s valuation of the playmaker based on his displays in Serie A.
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