Out-of-favour Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could be offered to Torino in a deal for midfielder Afriyie Acquah, according to Tuttosport.
The Italian newspaper published a story on Thursday claiming that Rafa Benitez is interested in Ghanaian Acquah, and Mitrovic could be used as part of a deal for the midfielder.
As quoted by Football Italia, the report claims that the Magpies are looking to add some steel to their midfield, with 25-year-old Acquah fitting the bill with his powerful play.
The club are willing to part with Serbian striker Mitrovic, 23, who has only made one start in the league for Newcastle so far this season.
Similarly, Acquah has only made two Serie A starts for Torino this campaign, and is said to be keen on a move away to get more minutes.
The Italian side are looking to add more firepower up front, with striker Andrea Belotti needing an able back-up, a role that the club believe Mitrovic would be able to fill.
Good move for Newcastle United?
If Mitrovic is definitively not part of Benitez’s plans, and Acquah is on his radar, then this would seem to be a deal that makes sense.
While fans have been critical of Mitrovic’s lack of playing time this year, their calls for him to play have seemingly fallen on deaf ears as Joselu and Dwight Gayle continue to be preferred.
At this point, it looks like the club are ready to cash in on the 23-year-old, who still represents a decent transfer fee despite being so out-of-favour.
If he could be used to secure the services of a player that is coveted by Benitez, then the club will be happy enough to let him go.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
There is no substantiation within the article on how highly the Italian club value their player.
Depending on the club’s respective valuations, this could end up being an almost straight swap, which would benefit both sides.
One would think that both players are keen on moves away, with the two men clearly not in line for many minutes this season.
If the clubs can come to an agreement on price, then this deal is definitely possible.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10