Newcastle transfer news: Andrea Belotti rejects Toon move

Add as preferred source on Google

Italian forward Andrea Belotti has reportedly rejected a move to Newcastle United this month.

That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who also claims the striker has turned down a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Interesting that the two clubs interested are either Saudi-based or Saudi-owned…

But the report states that Belotti wants to stay at Torino until the end of the season. The 28-year-old’s contract in Turin expires this summer, meaning January is the final chance for the Serie A side to cash in.

Belotti could’ve been available on the cheap this month, but Di Marzio’s report suggests he wants to see out his contract and leave on a free at the end of the campaign.

It’s another blow for Newcastle, who are desperately trying to land a striker before Saturday’s game with Watford.

Andrea Belotti could have been great for Newcastle

With Eddie Howe needing a new goalscorer, Belotti would have been a wonderful addition.

The 28-year-old has hit double figures in every Serie A season since he joined Torino in 2015. He averages basically a goal every other game for his club – an impressive statistic.

He’s scored goals on the international stage too, netting 12 times in 41 caps for Italy. He was part of the Italy squad that won last year’s European Championship, despite missing his penalty in the final against England.

Belotti has been linked with a Premier League move for a long time, and has previously been a Toon target.

But in January 2022, he won’t be on his way to St James’ Park. Belotti could have been a crowd favourite at Newcastle with his style of play, and a forward who could have combined well with Callum Wilson when fit. He’s a leader too as captain of Tornio, and a fairly sizeable name which would have pleased PIF.

Alas, he is staying with Torino until the end of the season. Perhaps this is one Newcastle may revisit when his contract expires in June.

Meanwhile, it’s another striker to cross off the ever growing list of January targets. The clock is ticking…