- Newcastle United reportedly rejected by full-back target
- Transfer blow comes after Brighton land Zadok Yohanna
- What Marco Palestra has said about future
Newcastle United had to endure a weekend of double transfer rejection as the club looks to splurge the £69 million banked through the sale of Anthony Gordon.
The Magpies are in advanced talks to bring Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen to St James’ Park for £24.2 million, with the shot-stopper set for a medical on Tyneside this week.
However, attempts to strengthen on the flank appear to be taking a little longer to get off the ground.
Newcastle United miss Zadok Yohanna transfer
Newcastle United were credited with serious interest in talented AIK winger Zadok Yohanna. There had been claims that both the Magpies and Chelsea had submitted successful £21.5 million bids for the player, with negotiations over personal terms underway.
However, it is Premier League rivals Brighton who have won the transfer race. The Seagulls confirmed the signing of Yohanna just as the race appeared to be hotting up.
Eddie Howe’s side will have to turn attentions to other targets, and may have to do so at full-back too.
The right-back position is a priority area for recruitment following the departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth. Tino Livramento has also been linked with a move away.
Marco Palestra rejects Newcastle United approach
Atalanta star Marco Palestra had emerged as a top target after an impressive season on loan at Cagliari. Inter Milan and several Premier League clubs have been linked, alongside the Magpies, and had their ears pricked over the weekend.
Speaking while away with the Italy national side, Palestra told Ansa: “Do I feel ready to make the leap to a big club? I’ve always felt ready. I thank Cagliari and coach [Fabio] Pisacane for this first season as a starter in Serie A.
“Now I’m focused on the two Azzurri matches, which are important for the ranking and because Italy needs to get back on track. For next season, I ask for me to continue to grow and improve, and strive for ever higher goals.”
However, Italian publication Libero – via NewcastleWorld – claim that those ‘big clubs’ Palestra talks over do not include Newcastle United. The outlet believes that the full-back has already turned down an approach from the North East side.
Instead, his heart is believed to be set on staying in Italy, with Inter Milan frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old – but the Serie A giants will have to meet a lofty £40 million asking price.
In other news, How much would Alan Shearer be worth in today’s market?
