Lazio will demand more than £50 million if Newcastle United shore up their interest in Ciro Immobile this summer, according to Calciomercato.
While that Saudi-led takeover appears to be clattering into hurdles with more regularly than a one-legged horse, the endless supply of red tape has not stopped Newcastle from being linked with big-money summer signings.
Only Robert Lewandowski has scored more goals this season than Immobile across Europe’s top leagues.
And, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Magpies are willing to make the evergreen Italy international their best-paid player of all time.
Immobile, who has hit the net 30 times in 33 games, would take home £140,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
Newcastle fans shouldn’t get too carried away just yet – though you’d forgive a fanbase used to disappointment for greeting these reports with plenty of pessimism.
Calciomercato claim that Lazio will demand far more than £50 million for their 30-year-old star striker.
Even if Newcastle do find themselves under Middle Eastern control sooner rather than later, Financial Fair Play restrictions will be another problem they have to contend with.
As BleacherReport have pointed out, Newcastle will go for the likes of Moussa Dembele before they start targeting the bonafide A-listers.
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