OPINION
Newcastle have reportedly made an offer for Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet as Rafa Benitez looks to increase the Toon’s recruitment before the end of the transfer window.
Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX claim the Toon are the third side to have made an offer for the 23-year-old midfielder, who shone in his first season with Sampdoria after moving to Italy from Anderlecht last summer.
The one-time Belgium international is said to be the subject of three offers, with the first being either Spartak Moscow or Zenit St. Petersburg, before Marseille tabled a bid and now Newcastle have joined the party.
The report claims that the offer from either of the Russian sides is worth £12.8million, with Sampdoria more than able to keep hold of their player as four years still remain on his contract.
This Is Futbol weighs up if a move to sign Sampdoria’s number 18 is a good move, and if the Toon can secure a deal with the Serie A outfit for Praet’s signature.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Toon desperately need a new central midfielder this summer with Jack Colback and Henri Saivet both set to leave St. James’ Park, with the Evening Chronicle stating both are for sale.
Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for an off-the-ball stamp on Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli on Sunday during the 2-0 loss to Spurs, and his absence has highlighted a hole in the middle of the park.
It leaves just Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino as options in midfield to face Huddersfield on Sunday afternoon, which should encourage Benitez to move for a midfielder.
Praet showed in his 36 league and cup outings last season that he is more than capable of Premier League quality and at less than £13million, the Toon would be securing a good deal for a player with years still ahead of him.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.
Likely to happen?
Sampdoria have the ball in their court over a move, with the report claiming that the Italian outfit is not for sale.
The midfielder’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2021, and that will see Sampdoria dictate how much Praet is sold for this summer.
Benitez would also have to do plenty of convincing to persuade owner Mike Ashley to part with an eight-figure offer to land Praet and bolster the Toon’s midfield.
Ashley has spent more than £30million this summer and Benitez has grown frustrated with his lack of transfer activity, but the Spaniard seems to be fighting a losing battle. A lot of work needs to be done, if Newcastle and Benitez are to land Praet.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10.