Newcastle have been linked with a move for ball-playing midfielder Badelj.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in landing free agent Milan Badelj after his contract at Fiorentina expired earlier this summer, despite being in Croatia’s World Cup squad – and some Toon fans cannot contain their excitement.
The Daily Mirror claims 29-year-old star Badelj is a target for Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle, with the Spanish manager continually being frustrated by owner Mike Ashley over a lack of transfer funds.
It has seen Benitez spend just £4million this summer on a permanent deal for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, while re-signing Kenedy on a season-long loan and landing Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer.
Now, Benitez is looking to secure a similar type of deal to Ki’s move north from Swansea City for Badelj, who saw his contract expire at Fiorentina after four seasons with the Serie A outfit.
Badelj has been regularly linked with the Premier League in recent transfer windows and is renowned for his passing ability from deep in midfield, but also his awareness and intelligence to break up opponents’ attacking play.
With Mikel Merino gone, Newcastle need a new central midfielder and some Toon fans underlined their intent to see Benitez complete a deal and sign Badelj this summer – with many believing that he would be an excellent signing.
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