Newcastle United are joined by Leicester City as the two Premier League clubs in hot pursuit of Torino full back Lorenzo De Silvestri this summer, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian football news outlet report that the Magpies and the Foxes join a host of Serie A clubs in chasing the 30-year-old’s capture, after his consistent performances across Italy’s top flight and cup competitions.
The right sided flyer, who offers a threat going forward as well as being defensively resolute, made 39 appearances across all competitions for Torino in the season just gone, netting an impressive seven goals from right back and chipping in with four assists.
It is said the six cap Italian international is viewed by his current club as one of their top stars but that has not stopped several clubs from Italy and overseas in chasing his capture.
Good move for Newcastle?
American international DeAndre Yedlin is currently the first choice right back under Rafael Benitez and the fleet-footed defender has posed a danger to the opposition time and again.
However he has at times looked suspect when it comes to his defensive duties and there could well be a desire to try and tighten up the right side of defensive with a more experienced figure who can offer the same threat pushing forward.
At present the back up at Newcastle is Javier Manquillo, who has looked out his depth when playing, and a new full back for both the left and right is likely to be among Benitez’s priorities.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It will all depend on the sort of fee that Torino are asking for, with the Magpies working on a shoestring budget when it comes to their transfer business.
At 30-years-old, the Italian is probably at his prime and things will only go downhill from here, and so if the price tag is right, it is a goer.
However, with the report stating there are a number of clubs chasing his capture, this is probably one which will slip by Newcastle.
This is Futbol rating: 3.5/10