Newcastle United have suffered a blow to their rumoured interest in Andrea Belotti, as the Torino striker has now given AC Milan his priority for a free transfer in the summer market.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note the Italy forward continues to reject Il Toro’s attempts to agree a new contract. Belotti is due to become a free agent at the end of the season when his existing deal expires, and currently has no interest in prolonging his stay.
Belotti joined the Turin outfit from Palermo in 2015 and has amassed 243 appearances so far, across all competitions. He has also scored 109 goals and created 28, but has struggled with injuries at times this term, which have held him to only 15 games and just four goals.
Belotti bounced back from his latest spell on the sidelines to score in Serie A meetings with Juventus and Cagliari. Yet the 28-year-old has not been on a winning side since November and is now looking toward pastures new. Any move would be to just his fourth senior side.
Newcastle target Andrea Belotti prioritising AC Milan move ahead of Torino exit
AC Milan and Atalanta are keen to keep Belotti in Italy when the forward leaves Torino in a free transfer. The 41-cap Italy forward will also prioritise a move to the San Siro if they can agree to personal terms. But a move to Lombardy with La Dea would not be unattractive.
Newcastle, then, could face a challenge should Eddie Howe revive his interest in a transfer for once Belotti leaves Torino. Gianluca Di Marzio reported the Toon made a firm offer for the striker – who his ex-Toro boss Davide Nicola called ‘unique’ – during the January sales.
Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal also tabled a rich offer to the Euro 2020 champion. But a move to the Middle East did not convince Belotti, who wanted to finish the season at Torino. So, Bellotti – who L’Interista noted Il Toro valued at €25m (£21m) last year – rejected all offers.
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