Newcastle United were linked with Nicolas Tagliafico over the summer.
Reported Newcastle United summer transfer target Nicolas Tagliafico has told reporters how he would like to play in the Premier League as he cites England’s top-flight as the best league in the world, Estadio Deportivo report.
The Magpies were linked with the Ajax left-back during the summer, with The Sun crediting both Newcastle and Fulham with an interest, while the Chronicle claim Rafa Benitez has been tracking him for 18 months.
Tagliafico only joined Ajax in January of this year, but an excellent first six months in Holland where he scored or assisted three goals in 15 starts has earned him interest from abroad.
Estadio Deportivo claim Real Betis are also keen on him, but when asked about a move to La Liga the player admits he will now remain in the Eredivise, but indicated an interest in moving to the Premier League.
“I will definitely stay with Ajax for this season. I’ve heard rumours of Betis, but I will stay here. I don’t know if I will have another spell in Spain, but right now I have more curiosity for the Premier League, which is the strongest league in the world. I would like to play there one day,” he told reporters.
Tagliafico, 25, is best described as an attacking left-back and it’s an area Newcastle really needed to strengthen in the summer, following the exits of Jesus Gamez and Massadio Haidara.
Paul Dummett has started both of Newcastle’s Premier League matches so far, but the 26-year-old is a lot more defensive-minded. At best, he can be described as a steady top-flight player.
Estadio Deportivo states that Tagliafico’s price-tag is currently around £10 million, but another excellent season at Ajax could see the Dutch club hold out for more next summer.
Newcastle may regret not bringing him in this summer, although with limit funds available, Benitez perhaps wasn’t prepared to spend the bulk of his transfer budget on a fullback.
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