Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport claim that Newcastle have seen a £51million bid rejected for Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. The midfielder guided Roma to their first-ever European title, the Europa Conference League.
Pellegrini, 25, is quickly becoming a Roma legend. the Giallorossi skipper was at the heart of everything for Roma once again this season – having a hand in 22 goals during his 41 outings. He is seven shy of clocking up 200 games.
Indeed, Pellegrini is the club’s new version of Francesco Totti. He came through the Roma ranks, leaving to join Sassuolo in 2015 – only to rejoin in 2017. At 25, he is already captain and his loyalty remains with Roma.
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He has a contract with the club until June 2026. But Newcastle, impressed by his exploits in the Conference League, have tabled a £51million bid. But Roma did not even acknowledge it, rejecting the move out of hand.
Pellegrini is a player that Jose Mourinho recently said – as quoted by FotMob: “He can do everything. He is smart, can understand the game and my ideas. If there were three of him, they would all play.”
Newcastle bid rejected for Pellegrini
It would have been a wonderful signing. Imagine a Newcastle side with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Pellegrini. Albeit an incredibly attacking midfield, it is studded with talent. Pellegrini can also play as a 10, or out wide.
The chances of Newcastle renewing their club-record offer for Pellegrini is unlikely. The fee is already £11million more than they paid to sign Joelinton – and he might cost closer to double Joelinton’s fee.
But if there is even a whiff of a chance that Newcastle could sign the Roma skipper, they must do everything they can to tempt him with a move to Tyneside. He would be their best signing yet, and for years to come.
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