Paper Talk: Newcastle line up elite Italy star as first signing as talks are revealed
Newcastle United could kickstart their new era with the signing of big-name Italy star, two midfield stars are looking to leave Arsenal, while Saturday’s transfer gossip claims Barcelona are looking to sign a Manchester United outcast in January.
CIRO IMMOMOBILE REVEALS NEWCASTLE TRANSFER TALKS
Newcastle United will reportedly look to make Ciro Immobile the first signing of their new era – with talks already held over a potential deal.
The Toon Army and their supporters must be rubbing their eyes in disbelief following this week’s £300m buyout of Mike Ashley. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, has been listed as the chair of new owners PIF. His net worth ranges from £250bn to £320bn, depending on estimates. That, in turn, makes Newcastle the richest club in the world.
The likes of Philippe Coutinho and Aaron Ramsey have already both been mentioned as targets.
Indeed, our article here listed five obtainable targets for the Magpies to consider.
However, it seems Newcastle are dreaming big and looking at world-class stars. Indeed, director Amanda Staveley has answered questions over a potential move for Kylian Mbappe.
The first signing of the PIF era, however, could well be a star of Italy’s successful Euro 2020 side, if reports are accurate.
Indeed, as per the Daily Express, Newcastle are looking at Lazio striker Immobile as their first new signing.
The 31-year-old has been with Lazio since 2016 and has become something of a club icon. Scoring 156 goals in 227 games, his record stands up among the best in Serie A.
Immobile reveals Newcastle talks
Immobile has also revealed he held talks with the Magpies over the summer when PIF first came close to taking over.
“During the period in which there was talk of the possible purchase of Newcastle by the Sheikh’s fund they called my agent, Alessandro Moggi,” Immobile told Corriere Dello Sport.
Three Premier League clubs chasing Aaron Ramsey
Everton, West Ham and Newcastle are all reportedly chasing Aaron Ramsey, with more news on Dejan Kusulevski and Matthijs de Ligt.
“Then the Premier League did not approve that proposal, or the fund withdrew, I don’t remember well.
“I know they were also looking for an Italian coach, [Massimiliano] Allegri or [Luciano] Spalletti.”
Immobile has since signed a new five-year deal with Lazio, but a giant offer from Newcastle could change their mind.
Allegri and Spalletti too have both since taken new jobs so won’t be options for Newcastle right now.
KOEMAN WANTS VAN DE BEEK AT BARCELONA
Ronald Koeman wants to bring Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek to Barcelona if he remains in charge. (Daily Mirror)
Paulo Fonseca and Steven Gerrard top Newcastle’s managerial shortlist as pressure mounts on Steve Bruce. (Daily Mirror)
Philippe Coutinho’s representatives are reportedly in contact with Newcastle’s new owners over a potential January deal. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester City and Raheem Sterling are heading towards a crossroads and a decision will need to be made soon. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United are considering bringing Facundo Pellistri back from his loan spell with Alaves over playing time concerns. (Daily Mirror)
Six things the new owners need to do at Newcastle United
STEVE BRUCE NEWCASTLE PAY-OFF
Steve Bruce will receive an £8m pay off from Newcastle if, as widely expected, his tenure as manager is brought to an end by the club’s new owners. (Daily Telegraph)
Alan Shearer is likely to accept an ambassadorial role at Newcastle United to help promote and advise the new owners of the club. (Daily Telegraph)
Angry Premier League clubs are demanding an emergency meeting after a series of complaints emerged about Newcastle United’s takeover. Top of their concerns are the effect it could have on the league’s brand. (The Guardian)
Paulo Dybala is set to sign a new contract – expected to run until 2025 – with Juventus and end speculation about a possible move to the Premier League. (The Sun)
CITY REJECT BRIGHTON OFFER FOR YOUNG STAR
Manchester City have rejected an £8m offer from Brighton for young midfielder James McAtee. (The Sun)
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a cryotherapy ice chamber shipped to his new home to help him keep fit for matches. (The Sun)
Arsenal are facing a New Year’s midfield dilemma with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mohammed Elneny both considering their futures. (The Sun)
Sporting goods manufacturer Puma are lining up a huge offer to try and tempt Erling Haaland away from current sponsor Nike. (The Sun)
Newcastle supporters are keen for the club to make Aaron Ramsey their first big-money signing after the Saudi takeover was concluded. (The Sun)
LIVERPOOL LOOK AT OLYMPIAKOS DEFENDER
St James’ Park will still possess Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct branding despite Newcastle’s £300m takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. (The Sun)
Real Madrid are making Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger their No 1 transfer target next summer when he will be available on a free. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all keeping a close eye on Stoke’s England U17 striker Emre Tezgel. (Daily Mail)
Sergio Aguero is edging closer to full fitness after returning to training with Barcelona. The striker looks likely to make his debut against Real Madrid. (Daily Mail)
AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Barcelona will play at another stadium for up to a year when the club starts its planned modernisation of the Nou Camp, president Joan Laporta says. (Daily Mail)
Demba Ba is offering to come out of retirement to play for Newcastle United’s new owners. (Daily Star)
Amad Diallo is closing on a return to Manchester United training and will be given the chance of a loan move in January. (Daily Express)
Southampton’s teenage star Tino Livramento is getting pressure from his mother to represent Scotland, the country of her birth. (Daily Record)