Newcastle United’s takeover still hasn’t gone through.
It has been a long, tortuous wait for the fans of the club as they wait for any news on the potential Saudi Arabian-backed takeover from current owner Mike Ashley.
It appears, though, that plans are already afoot for the summer transfer window.
The potential new owners will have a rich well of funds which they will be able to dip into, should they wish to strengthen the club’s squad.
One has to feel that, if they are aiming for Champions League football, they will need to do just that.
And a Serie A ace has emerged as a possible acquisition.
Indeed, per a report from La Nazione, carried by Sport Witness, they have identified a forward who has also been targeted by Manchester United.
That player is Federico Chiesa, who has been something of a star for Fiorentina.
Chiesa can play as a centre-forward or on either flank, and has scored 29 goals and registered 20 assists in 143 games for the Italian club.
He would cost at least €60 million (£53.7m), and Sport Witness claims that Manchester United have already seen a bid of €50m (£44.7m) rejected for the 22-year-old.
Newcastle are said to be exploring the possibility of snapping up his signature, though Inter Milan and Juventus are also believed to be in the race.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
Everything depends on the takeover.
At this stage, there is nothing of any substance surrounding the Magpies’ transfer plans because, quite simply, there can’t be.
They don’t know who will be the owner of the club when the window opens but one thing is almost certain.
If it is Ashley, instead of PIF, then they have little chance of bringing Chiesa into the football club, particularly at the price mentioned in the report.
Fans ought to cross their fingers, both for the takeover, and for no other club managing to strike an agreement for the excellent winger beforehand.