Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle offer knocked back by top Serie A defender as major stumbling block emerges for Liverpool target

Perr Schuurs Torino 2023 TEAMtalk1

Newcastle United have reportedly made an offer to Torino star Perr Schuurs but the defender is not sold on the idea of moving to Tyneside.

The 23-year-old is currently enjoying his maiden season for Il Toro after moving to Italy from Ajax last summer. The former Netherlands Under-21 interantional spent two years in the Ajax youth setup before graduating to the senior side. And he made 95 first-team appearances before opting to jump ship to Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Torino paid in the region of €9m for the stopper and it looks to have been money well spent.

The rangy centre-back has enjoyed 22 starts among 23 Italian top-flight appearances. And a number of top European clubs have taken notice of his development under Ivan Juric.

Liverpool have been linked, with Sky Sport Italia expert Gianluca Di Marzio suggesting the Reds see him as Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement.

However, the Magpies are now serious players in the transfer market and might have a say in proceedings.

Eddie Howe has already lured a number of stars to St James’ Park as the next chapter in the north-east club’s history unfolds.

The ex-Bournemouth chief has guided his charges to fourth in the table. They are three points better off than fifth-placed Tottenham and have a game in hand.

READ MORE: Sources: Newcastle owners pull the plug on Man City-style takeover of European side; other options being explored

Things are looking positive for Champions League qualification. Howe knows that he will need to strengthen the squad for European competition and Schuurs is said to be high on his wish-list.

But it seems as though a move for the youngster may be tough to accomplish.

Schuurs unconvinced by Newcastle approach

Newcastle have recently emerged as contenders for Schuurs. And Italian outlet Tuttosport are now reporting that the ambitious club have made the player an offer.

However, it adds that the proposal does not ‘appeal’ to the Dutchman who has not seen enough to convince him to leave his present employers this summer.

That could all change, however, if Newcastle do manage a top-four finish. The chance to play in Europe’s elite club competition might be too much to refuse.

But for now it appears as though the man from Nieuwstadt is happy to stay where he is.

There could also be a problem with the player’s fee as Torino are though to be driving a hard bargain.

It has recently been reported that they want at least £25m for the defender. But that could rise even further, with reports that ‘exorbitant requests’ have seen a few clubs turn their backs.

Schuurs might opt to stay at Torino for another season to gain even more experience of playing at the top level.

That is likely to drive his price even higher. Newcastle have the funds to do a deal but have made it clear they will not pay over the odds.

Snaring him this summer would be the cheaper option but he might take a lot of persuading to move to the Premier League.

READ MORE: Second source confirms it’s game over for Newcastle ace who feels threatened by big-money signing