Newcastle United plot revenge on AC Milan by hijacking deal for star player

Newcastle United are reportedly planning to hijack AC Milan’s deal for Renato Sanches, though the Serie A side are close to completing it.

Newcastle established themselves as a potential destination for Sanches a few months ago. Indeed, they were looking to take him to the club in January.

Nothing came of their interest, though, nor the links with any other Premier League sides. The likes of Arsenal, Wolves and Liverpool were all rumoured to admire the Portuguese.

As such, Sanches remained with Lille – at least for the time being. An update earlier this month seemed to push all but one interested side out of the pursuit.

Indeed, it was reported that AC Milan had agreed a deal worth around £17million for the midfielder. Clearly, that is a setback for the other interested parties.

However, Pianeta Milan reports that Newcastle are still eyeing up a deal for Sanches.

It is thought that Newcastle were angered, as it looks as if another January target of theirs, Sven Botman, will be on the way to the San Siro. Indeed, they are reported to want ‘revenge’ on Milan for that.

As such, Eddie Howe’s side are looking to hijack Milan’s deal for Sanches.

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Thanks to their big-money takeover last year, the Magpies certainly have the funds to compete with Milan in terms of transfers.

However, given there is a reported agreement in place, it could be tough to Newcastle to pull this off.

Big effort needed to hijack Sanches deal

Despite Newcastle ramping up their pursuit, it seems Milan are still in the box seat for the deal. It looks by all accounts as if Sanches will be lining up for Milan next season.

The playmaker has made 25 appearances for Lille this campaign, scoring once. He recently played against Chelsea in a Champions League last-16 match at Stamford Bridge.

24-year-old Sanches impressed on the night, although Lille were beaten 2-0 by Thomas Tuchel’s men.

Lille sit sixth in the Ligue 1 table, having won 12 out of 29 matches so far.

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