Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, according to the Chronicle.
The 19-year-old has been in tremendous form this season, hitting five goals in all competitions – including two in the Champions League quarter final against Porto – after moving to the Italian capital as part of a deal that saw Radja Nainggolan go to Inter Milan.
According to the report, the Magpies have had staff watch the 6’3″ teenager as part of their plans to reinforce their midfield options ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Good move for Newcastle?
Absolutely. Zaniolo is quickly making a name for himself as one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe after a stellar season in Serie A, and bringing him to Tyneside would be a massive coup.
A rangy midfielder with an eye for goal and the ability to put defenders on their backsides with a shimmy and a shake, he would be a classy addition to a Newcastle midfield that is looking increasingly exciting.
If the Magpies could land this one they would be dancing in the streets.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
The chances of prising Zaniolo away from Italy, especially after he has put in such a remarkable season of work at Roma, seem very, very slim.
If the Italian giants could be tempted to part with their bright young prodigy then you can’t help feeling that it would be for a formidable fee – the kind of fee that Mike Ashley usually isn’t too keen to pay.
That being said, if there are scouts buzzing about then there must be at least some glimmer of hope, and while it might seem improbable, never say never.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10