Newcastle United’s midfield overhaul may not be finished yet, with the Magpies reportedly making moves to land another highly-rated young player.
According to Football360’s Ekrem Konur, Newcastle has stepped up its long-standing interest in Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic.
“Newcastle United have submitted an official enquiry to Inter Milan regarding the player’s current availability, contractual framework, and valuation,” Konur reported. “Furthermore, Magpies executives have held direct discussions
with Sucic’s representatives to outline their long-term sporting project.”
Inter has little intention of losing the Croatia international cheaply, with the midfielder having a market value of €45 million. Konur, however, reported a much-higher valuation from the Serie A club, quoting it as demanding between €65 million and €70 million (£56 million-£60 million), including add-ons, and being deadlocked in rejecting proposals below those figures.
Sucic is reportedly prioritizing regular starting opportunities when considering his future, with Newcastle’s project and promised starting role said to appeal to him. Personal terms are not expected to present a significant obstacle should the clubs reach an agreement.
There is, however, an important complication with Konur’s report. The reporter described Newcastle’s pursuit as being directly connected to an anticipated departure for Willock to Besiktas, but that situation has since changed dramatically. The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported Monday that Willock is staying, while Sky Sports’ Keith Downie confirmed Newcastle rejected a Besiktas offer worth up to £17 million (€19.7 million).
That makes it unclear whether Newcastle will still pursue Sucic now that the apparent trigger for a formal bid has disappeared.
With Nico Gonzalez, Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur already arriving following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, spending another €65 million-plus on midfield would represent another enormous investment, and perhaps not the wisest.
Should Newcastle pursue Sucic even with Willock staying and the other young arrivals, or is that money better spent elsewhere before the deadline? Let us know in the comments section below!
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