Newcastle are reportedly tracking Everton winger Nikola Vlasic.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in nabbing Everton outcast Nikola Vlasic on loan this summer, but Rafa Benitez cannot use the signing as a replacement.
The Daily Mail claim Newcastle have discussed a potential move for the 20-year-old attacker, who struggled for game time at Goodison Park last season after joining the club from Croatian side Hajduk Split.
Indeed, the Croatia youth international managed only 19 appearances for the Toffees in all competitions, though he did find the back of the net on two separate occasions.
Newcastle are yet to make real movements this summer despite confirming deals for Martin Dubravka, Kenedy and Ki Sung-yueng, but could be set to make another signing in Vlasic if they indeed make a move.
However, The Toon must not use the loan signing of Vlasic as a replacement for Matt Ritchie, who has been linked with a £15million transfer to Championship side Stoke City this summer.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Newcastle had turned an eight-figure offer down from Stoke, but Gary Rowett’s side are said to remain interested in the Scotland international.
Though much older than Ritchie, the former Bournemouth star is twice the player of Vlasic and proved that last season by having a hand in nine Premier League goals for Newcastle – including a crucial winner against Manchester United.
Vlasic, by all means, would be a decent signing for Newcastle’s depth next season, but Benitez cannot let the temporary signing of an unproven youngster in Vlasic be the replacement for a proven Premier League performer such as Ritchie.
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