OPINION
Newcastle are one of three sides reportedly interesting in signing Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro before the end of the summer transfer window.
Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim the 24-year-old Italian is still wanted by the Italian champions, who are desperate to keep hold of the former Genoa midfielder this summer.
It is said that Newcastle are still looking to test Juve’s resolve, with Premier League rivals Stoke also keen. Serie A side Genoa could also look to offer Sturaro an escape route by luring him back to the Rossoblu.
Sturaro’s place in the Juve side under manager Masimilliano Allegri is likely to be in doubt after the 2016-17 Champions League finalists secured the signing of former PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi.
This Is Futbol considers whether a move to sign Sturaro would benefit the Toon in their fight against Premier League relegation, and if Rafa Benitez can secure a deal for the midfielder with the deadline fast approaching.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle need additions all over the pitch in the next week if they are to stand any chance of avoiding an instant return to the Championship come May 2018.
Jack Colback is set to leave the club before the end of the summer window, while Jonjo Shelvey is currently suspended after being sent off for a stamp on Tottenham’s Dele Alli.
The absence of the duo has highlighted a need for another central midfielder, with Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden the only options available to Benitez as Henri Saivet is likely to leave.
Four-time Italy international Sturaro would be a regular in most Premier League sides and would instantly instil himself as one of the best players in the Toon squad, if Benitez can secure a deal.
This Is Futbol rating: 10/10.
Likely to happen?
Juventus look keen to keep Sturaro in a Juventus shirt beyond deadline day, and are in a good position to do just that with four years remaining on his current contract.
If he was to leave, Sturaro is likely to prefer a move to his former side Genoa and remain in his home country, while Stoke are likely to finish above Newcastle in the Premier League and away from a relegation dogfight.
Even if he was to choose Newcastle, Benitez would have a huge task on his hands in convincing owner Mike Ashley that he should stump up the funds necessary to complete a deal.
Sturaro possesses the talent capable of steering Newcastle clear of relegation, but there are plenty of stumbling blocks that Benitez must address first.
This Is Futbol rating: 1/10.