Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has held initial talks over a potential swoop for Juventus midfield maestro Stefano Sturaro this summer, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian football news outlet claim that the Magpies’ boss has been in touch with the Serie A champions requesting personal information over the 25-year-old, who has been on the fringes of the Juve first team over the past 12 months.
A central star with a wide range of passing and defensive abilities, the four-cap Italy international made just 19 appearances across all competitions for the Turin-based side, filling in at right back as well as playing in the middle.
However it is said that the player is focused on establishing himself at Juventus rather than securing a move away, with a contract which expires in 2021.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Magpies actually seem pretty comfortable when it comes to midfielders and so a move for another central figure seems odd, especially when there are areas that need strengthening in the squad.
It could mean that Newcastle are plotting to get rid of one of their current players, with Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diame, Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden those in the firing line.
Sturaro would bring something a bit different to Benitez’s side, with a defensive nature coupled with a keen eye for a pass forward, and it could be that little bit extra which the Spanish boss is keen to add to his team.
Still, having been on the fringes of the Juventus first team, it is difficult to say whether he would be much of an improvement on the current options, and at 25 it is not like he is a prodigal talent but a proven player who really should be playing first team football.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Not if the player gets his way it seems.
Why Sturaro is happy sitting on the bench, or even in the stands, at Juventus will be beyond most fans but it looks as though he is either desperate to prove himself with the Italian side or quite happy to continue picking up the pay cheque until the end of his contract.
If Juve want to sell up, then maybe the wheels can get turning on a move but at the moment, it looks as if this one is very much on the back burner.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10