Newcastle transfer news: Atalanta decide not to sign Merih Demiral

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Newcastle United have received a boost in their bid to sign Merih Demiral this summer.

The defender has been linked with a move to St James’ Park in recent days. Calciomercato claim that the Magpies are keen, while a report in Turkey states that Demiral would be open to joining Newcastle. C2 Haber add that he would cost around £17million.

Now developments in Italy will only strengthen Newcastle’s position in the pursuit to sign Demiral.

Atalanta decide against Merih Demiral deal

The 24-year-old belongs to Juventus, but spent last season out on loan at Atalanta. The loan deal included an option to buy him, but the Serie A side have decided against a permanent move.

That’s according to Goal, who report that Atalanta aren’t convinced enough by Demiral.

That means he is heading back to Juventus this summer, where he appears to have no future. Goal add that Juve do not plan on keeping Demiral. Instead, they will move him on once again this summer.

This will only increase speculation over a move to Newcastle.

Sven Botman blow could push Newcastle to sign Demiral

Earlier this week it looked like the Magpies could be trying to sign two centre-backs this summer, with a deal for Sven Botman progressing nicely.

Now that move is in doubt, with Lille increasing their asking price. Newcastle had agreed a fee of £30million, but now the French side want £6million more.

This has angered the Magpies according to the Telegraph, and they could now look elsewhere unless Lille ‘see sense’.

With a move for Botman now in doubt, Eddie Howe may be inclined to push ahead with a deal for Demiral. He is surely a lot more attainable, given Juventus’ desire to get rid. As previously mentioned, it’s also been reported that he’d be open to calling St James’ Park his home.

The one problem is the type of defender Demiral is compared to Botman. The former plays as a right centre-back, while the latter operates on the left – which appears to be what Howe wants given other targets such as Nathan Ake.

It’s unknown whether or not Newcastle will move for Demiral, but they certainly have a good chance of signing him if they decide to launch a bid.

He won’t be signing for Atalanta, that’s for sure.