Newcastle United have been handed a transfer boost.
Well, a potential transfer boost.
Newcastle tried to sign Andrea Belotti during the January transfer window.
According to Di Marzio, the Italian hitman rejected a move to St James’s Park.
The big forward is out of contract with Torino this summer, but the Serie A outfit are seemingly planning to move him on rather than extend his current deal.
According to Calciomercato, the Turin-based club have identified Giovanni Simeone as Belotti’s long-term replacement – and contact has been made.
Positive development?
This is good news for Newcastle.
That’s because if the Magpies are still interested, then knowledge that Torino are planning for life without him illustrates that he’s going.
Better yet, Belotti will be available to leave on a free transfer and, at 28, remains in the prime of his football career.
And let’s face it, Newcastle still do need a striker.
Yes they signed Chris Wood after discovering that Belotti wasn’t keen in January, but the New Zealand international has scored only one Premier League goal for Eddie Howe’s side, from 10 appearances.
Overall, the speculation of Simeone bodes very well for the Tyneside club and only time will tell whether they’re genuinely interested.
If they are, well he’s there for the taking.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
