Newcastle United are now reportedly targeting a potential move for Lorenzo Insigne.
The Lowdown: Contract breakdown
As per Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), talks have been ‘difficult’ between Insigne and Napoli over a renewal of his contract, which expires next summer.
It means that he will be able to talk to other clubs in the January transfer window, ahead of a potential free transfer.
The Latest: Insigne targeted
According to Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful have now ‘targeted’ Insigne ahead of a potential swoop, but there has been no official contact yet.
Teams in the MLS are also being considered in terms of securing his signature, but it feels ‘unlikely’ that he will leave his native Italy at the moment.
The Verdict: Bargain
Given that he is currently rated at £43.2m by Transfermarkt, signing Insigne on a free transfer would be an absolute bargain.
The Napoli captain would offer leadership to the squad off of the pitch, and lead by example on it, with no fewer than 111 goals and a further 88 assists in 406 games in total over all competitions for the Naples side (Transfermarkt).
Rafa Benitez, once of the Magpies and having recently being linked with a return to the North East from Everton, sung the praises of Insigne when he was manager at Napoli back in 2015, and for both of them to arrive on Tyneside could well be a match made in heaven.
In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ maestro NUFC have contacted here!