Newcastle United have made an approach for Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri ahead of a possible move in January, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
The Italian football website report that Rafa Benitez is an admirer of the Brazilian-Italian flyer, and has sounded out the Giallorossi about a deal for the 23-year-old.
Tutto Mercato claim that defending Italian champions Juventus are keen on the young defender, as are Newcastle’s Premier League rivals and Benitez’s former club Liverpool.
Emerson has been ruled out for most of the season so far with a serious knee injury, which has reportedly cooled Liverpool’s interest, but he has returned to the pitch recently and looks to be a possible mover in January.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Emerson has emerged as a brilliant young wing-back over the last couple of years for Roma, and his performances have caught the eye of several top clubs.
A ruptured cruciate ligament has hampered his progress this season, but the 23-year-old is still a hot prospect on the European market.
If Benitez was able to secure a deal for Emerson it would be a massive coup for the Magpies, who are crying out for some quality on the left side of their defence.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
There are several factors that would suggest this is a long shot.
Firstly, Emerson is in the process of securing his place in the Italian national side, having played for Brazil at youth level, and a move to England to play for Newcastle may hamper his chances of doing so.
Secondly, with Juventus and Liverpool also interested, Newcastle looks to be a step down from both of those clubs. Newcastle’s saving grace in this regard may be the fact that they could offer him guaranteed first-team football.
Finally, Newcastle will be mostly in the market for loan deals in January. It is not stated what kind of deal Roma would be looking for, but a loan may not be feasible.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10