Newcastle United are weighing up a January move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli as Eddie Howe looks to reinforce his options in the middle of the park.
Writing in his Daily Briefing, Mark Brus
reported: “Eddie Howe and his team are looking for a new midfielder and the Italian international has caught their attention. While the details are still emerging, it’s clear that Newcastle’s recruitment strategy is leaning into experienced talent with potential upside.”
Brus added that Newcastle have “been monitoring him carefully and could make a formal push when the winter window opens.”
Locatelli, under contract with Juventus, is valued at around €40 million (£35m) and is seen as a player who can “help balance the side, linking defense and attack, and stepping into a crucial role when the manager demands control in tight matches.”
The Magpies already boast Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in midfield, but the added strain of Champions League football and a packed schedule has highlighted a need for further depth.
Locatelli, who has drawn comparisons to Bruno and shares nationality with Tonali, could provide a neat combination of defensive play and composure creating with the ball on his feet.
