Newcastle bid for £12.8m-rated Sampdoria midfielder

Rob McCarthy

Newcastle have reportedly lodged a bid for Sampdoria star Dennis Praet as Rafa Benitez looks to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

Benitez has been unhappy that he has not been able to land the targets he wants this summer, while injuries in the opening game of the season against Tottenham and a three-match ban for skipper Jonjo Shelvey have added to his woes.

However, it looks as if the Magpies are closing in on a 23-year-old Serie A star, according to Italian media outlet Il Secolo XIX, via Calciomercato.

Praet had an excellent season for Sampdoria in 2016-17, after he joined from Belgium club Anderlecht, and is valued at around £12.8million as he still has four years remaining on his current contract.

Newcastle are, however, likely to have sell before they can buy, although midfielders Jack Colback and Henri Saivet are expected to move on before August 31 after failing out of favour at St James’ Park.