Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Sunday, July 10.
Harrison touted as Diaby alternative
Jack Harrison is on Newcastle’s radar and is viewed as a cheaper alternative to Moussa Diaby. Reports have linked the Magpies with both wingers in recent weeks as Eddie Howe aims to bolster his attacking options.
Bayer Leverkusen are open to selling Diaby - but at a hefty cost. A bid in the region of €60million is understood to be the Bundesliga outfit’s asking price after a stellar campaign last year.
Harrison - signed permanently by Leeds United last year - would cost half the price and already has Premier League experience. The Daily Mail report Newcastle are ready to pounce after the Whites announced the signing of Feyenoord wideman Luis Sinisterra in midweek.
READ MORE: Newcastle notes: Ritchie not finished, 'explosive' Joelinton and Howe dilemma after Gateshead win
Mertens on Toon radar?
Italian publication Il Matino claims Newcastle and Leeds are chasing former Napoli star Dries Mertens. At 35-years-old, the Belgian is past his prime but would still be a marquee arrival on Tyneside.
Mertens is a free agent despite bagging 11 goals in 30 games in Serie A last season. He boasts legendary status at Napoli as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer but will be plying his trade elsewhere in 2022-23.
A striker is high on the list of priorities for Toon chiefs, who have grown frustrated about the lack of progress on Hugo Ekitike.
Prem trio chase Lazio star
Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle want Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Calciomercato. One stumbling block in any deal is how Lazio chairman, Claudio Lotito, is demanding around €70million for the Serbian international.
Milinkovic-Savic has emerged as one of Europe’s most proficient midfielders in recent seasons. A notable 11 goals in Italy last year showcased his goalscoring exploits but Newcastle are well-stacked in midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock competing for three positions.
Splashing out that kind of money for another midfielder would raise eyebrows on Tyneside when priorities should be on strengthening the attack.
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