Newcastle United are exploring a summer move for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as they keep looking for options to bolster their midfield, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
O’Rourke reported that Newcastle could pursue Pellegrini instead of attempting to bring back Elliot Anderson, with the Magpies evaluating alternatives to the former academy product ahead of the summer transfer window.
Midfield has been an inconsistent area for Newcastle this season, and injuries to most of the
performers in the area have short-circuited the production of the team.
Joelinton has struggled for form and he’s been out for quite some matches, while Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock have found it difficult to make a sustained impact as rotation options, getting in and out of the lineup without rhyme or reason. Sandro Tonali’s future looks to be more outside of Tyneside than in the region, and Bruno will be sidelined for the most part of the remainder of the season.
Football Insider reported that Newcastle are interested in Pellegrini, who has made more than 300 appearances for Roma across 11 years with the club, with the Italy international capable of operating in multiple midfield roles.
Leeds United, meanwhile, are also mentioned as interested in the Italian maestro, although Football Insider suggested that arriving at St James’ Park would obviously be a more attractive destination than signing with Leeds, if only because Newcastle should at least qualify for the Conference League by the end of the season.
Pellegrini’s contract situation adds uncertainty and urgency to the situation, as his current deal with AS Roma is set to expire this summer, and no extension has been agreed to date, making him a potential free agent in July.
Roma are working to reduce their wage bill, and Pellegrini’s salary, reported in Italy to be around €6 million net per year, presents a challenge under the club’s current financial approach.
