OPINION
Newcastle must rival Serie A outfit Lazio in the pursuit of Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie this summer to solve Rafa Benitez’s midfield dilemma.
The Sun claim Lazio are looking to strike a deal that would see Holland international Clasie join on a season-long loan deal before moving to the Italian giants for £8million at the end of the 2017-18 season.
Clasie managed just 24 appearances in all competitions last season and could be looking to leave if new Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino cannot promise him more game time at St. Mary’s Stadium next season.
Benitez is looking to press on with his transfer activity this summer, after only confirming one signing so far in a permanent deal for Chelsea winger Christian Atsu following an impressive campaign on loan last year.
This Is Futbol analyses three reasons why Newcastle must bolster their chances of avoiding Premier League relegation next season by trying to persuade the combative midfielder to move north to Tyneside next season.