Report names two huge Juventus names Eddie Howe wants at Newcastle
Eddie Howe will reportedly try and bring in two big-name Juventus stars in his first act as Newcastle United manager.
The 43-year-old was presented to the media on Wednesday as a successor to Steve Bruce. And the former Bournemouth manager will be charged with helping the Magpies pull clear of the relegation zone and avoiding the drop. To that end, we have debated whether Howe will accomplish his mission or become a glorious failure.
Either way, Howe claims he plans to work with the players he has. Indeed, the new Toon boss is playing down claims of serious January investment.
However, reports on Thursday morning claim Newcastle will be very much active in January. And top of his list of signings will be a pair of big-name Juventus stars, who are struggling for game-time under Massimiliano Allegri.
Top of the wanted list is former Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey.
The Wales midfielder moved to Turin as a free agent back in summer 2019. However, his time in Italy has been nothing short of a disaster.
Indeed, a string of injuries and some bad form has seen the Wales star make just 70 appearances for the Serie A side.
Ramsey has not appeared in Serie A for Juve since September and his game time this season stands at just 112 minutes. And now the 30-year-old has lost the faith of Allegri.
Newcastle need to target experienced midfielder like Ramsey
The position Newcastle are in requires an experienced leader to help them improve.
Calciomercato.com reports that Allegri has lost faith in the 30-year-old and has now cast him aside. The idea of playing him in a quarter-back role in front of the defence – like in the first game against Udinese – has been ditched.
And with the player earning a reported £400,000 a week on a deal to 2023, they are eager to offload.
Indeed, he will be made available for a nominal fee in order to get him off the wage bill.
It’s understandable though that Ramsey is reportedly seeking a “rich severance pay” to depart early.
Howe also fancies Rabiot deal
Strengthening his midfield is clearly a top priority for Howe. Indeed, next on his wish list is another new midfielder in the form of Adrien Rabiot.
The France midfielder also moved to Turin as a free agent, signing from PSG in summer 2019. While has figured more frequently under Allegri, the Daily Mail claims they could be tempted to sell should a sizeable bid come in.
Indeed, they state an offer in the region of £12.8m is being prepped by the Magpies.
He’s been linked with a series of Premier League sides in recent months. However, the riches on offer at St James’ Park may well win the day.
Rabiot is also reportedly being considered by Real Madrid, though they appear unlikely to match Newcastle’s bid.
The 26-year-old has made 94 appearances for the side, scoring six times and winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
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