Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has launched a scouting mission for AC Milan attacker Fabio Borini in what could be a possible return to the north east for the Italian, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian news source claim that the 27-year-old is up for sale at the Serie A giants and that a reasonable offer from another club would secure his sale, with the Magpies keeping an eye on his status at the San Siro.
Borini has 111 games worth of Premier League experience under his belt, but a move to St James’ Park would be a controversial one after playing 93 times for north east rivals Sunderland, scoring two times against the Magpies in Tyne-Wear derbies as well as once for Liverpool.
Good move for Newcastle?
Borini’s record in England is hardly a mouth watering one and you can be certain the Toon Army would not welcome him too warmly after his time at the Stadium of Light.
With 16 goals and six assists in his Premier League appearances, there should be serious doubts over whether he has what it takes to improve the options at Benitez’s disposal.
There are not a lot of redeeming featured about the 27-year-old and it would be seen as another bargain deal for Newcastle, rather than seeking the quality they so desperately need.
Not the sort of move Benitez wants or needs heading into January.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle have taken players who have played at Sunderland in the past – DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo those in the current squad to have made the move across the north east – but they have not incensed the Toon Army like Borini.
His two goals on derby day mean he is not going to be a popular man on Tyneside and really this is a non-starter as a result.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10