Newcastle United have tabled a £12.3million plus bonuses (€14million) bid for Juventus and Italy midfielder Stefano Sturaro, according to Italian journalist Giulia Stronati.
The reporter, who is a broadcast journalist for SportItalia, claims on her personal Twitter account that the Magpies have tabled the eight figure offer for the central terrier, who is known for hassling and harrying the opposition in the middle of the park.
Il #Newcastle accelera per Stefano Sturaro: offerti 14 milioni più bonus alla #Juventus. #calciomercato #transfers #NUFC
— Giulia Stronati (@GiuliaStronati) June 28, 2018
A versatile player, the 25-year-old has also appeared in a right back role for the Serie A giants, making 19 appearances across all competitions last season, and his performances have seen him pick up four caps for the Italian national side since making his debut back in 2016.
Good move for Newcastle?
Another midfielder among the ranks would leave Rafael Benitez with a bloated number of options, and the Italian’s arrival could signal the end of at least one of the current stars’ career at St James’ Park – potentially the exit linked Mikel Merino.
Sturaro is not afraid to do the dirty work in midfield but also is an accomplished passer of the ball, and should compliment the likes of Jonjo Shelvey nicely if he does arrive on Tyneside.
Still, it seems a strange move to be making right now, with so many other priorities among the first team, and it is money which really should be put elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating: 6.5/10
Likely to happen?
Sturaro has been linked with Newcastle for some months now, so there is likely to be at least some sort of interest.
A fee of £12.3million is a hefty amount for a man on the fringes of the Juventus side, and considering it is not a must-buy position, it seems unlikely Mike Ashley would green light this one right now.
Maybe one to watch as summer progresses, but for now it is likely to be on the back burner.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10