Magpies at the front of the queue for £70m rated Serie A defender
Italian outlet Calcio Mercato have reported that Newcastle United are best placed and the leading candidates to snap up Inter Milan and Slovakia star defender Milan Škriniar in the upcoming January window.
Škriniar was one of the names most mentioned with a big money move throughout the summer window with PSG thought to be close to securing the 27-year-old for a staggering figure of £70 million, although the move never came to fruition, with Inter resolute on keeping their star defender.
The situation has now changed however, with only six months remaining on the Slovakian’s contract and talks of an extension reportedly struggling to progress. Škriniar joined the Italian giants from fellow Serie A outfit, Sampdoria, back in 2017 and has since developed into one of the best in his position in the world, prompting interest from some of Europe’s elite.
However, according to the report, the Magpies are thought to be the most likely destination for the Slovakia captain, who would be available to approach directly and sign on a pre-contract.
While competition will undoubtedly be strong, with PSG likely to reignite their interest and fellow Premier League top four contenders, Tottenham Hotspur thought to be interested due to manager Antonio Conte working with Škriniar during their Scudetto winning season at Inter in 2020/21, Newcastle are a sensible option for all parties.
Škriniar would provide competition for Fabian Schär and a centre back partnership of Škriniar and summer addition Sven Botman, would surely be one of the strongest in the division.
Newcastle United firmly in the race for Sunderland wonderkid
Excitement and interest surrounding teenage Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg has been rapidly building in recent weeks, with the midfielder subject to a reported move to Merseyside with both Liverpool and Everton both keen on the youngster as well as near neighbours Newcastle United.
Rigg, despite being just 15 years of age, is a regular for the Black Cats’ under-21 side and has even been involved in several first team training sessions. During his impressive displays for the under-21s, Rigg has been watched closely by scouts from several of the country’s top clubs, with the only question regarding his future being where and when, not if.
Many believe him to be Sunderland’s best academy prospect since Jordan Henderson, who made the switch to the red half of Merseyside in 2011, something Rigg, if reports are to be believed, could replicate.
However, Newcastle offer an interesting and more than tempting alternative for the England under-16s captain, who has also represented his nation at under-17s level.
Rigg is an avid Magpies fan, and the opportunity to stay closer to home, especially at such a young age, would no doubt be appealing to both him and his family.
Sunderland are not expected to let the left footed midfield maestro leave easily however, and are set to demand at least £2.5 million for the emerging star.
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