Valentino Lazaro had a loan spell to forget at Newcastle United last year.
But, according to reports in Italy, he could get a second chance with the Magpies.
Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) have claimed that Newcastle are interested in bringing Lazaro back to St James’ Park permanently.
It was recently reported by the Chronicle that the Inter Milan midfielder would be keen on a return to the north east.
Lazaro seemingly has no future with the Serie A champions, having spent most of his days there out on loan.
He joined Newcastle in January 2020, and the following season he was with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Lazaro cost Inter Milan £20million in 2019, but likely won’t cost that much this summer. The Italian side are in need of cash, and will be looking to move some players on.
The Austrian recently competed at Euro 2020, but only played 20 minutes in total. Austria made it to the second round, losing to eventual winners Italy.
Should Newcastle complete permanent transfer of Valentino Lazaro?
Lazaro struggled during his loan spell with Newcastle.
He arrived in January 2020, alongside Nabil Bentaleb and Danny Rose. The trio were wildly unsuccessful, but for different reasons.
Lazaro’s problem was that he often couldn’t get in the team. And when he did, he was used more as a defensive player.
He featured as a right wing-back for Steve Bruce, and it became very clear very quickly that he wasn’t the most switched on defensively.
Going forwards, he was effective. He had pace and was cool in possession.
If Lazaro were to return, he would need to be used higher up the pitch. But would that be possible?
Newcastle ended last season with a 3-5-2 system, with Jacob Murphy operating as a wing-back. While it’s an unnatural position for Murphy, he adapted and proved as the season went on.
Would Lazaro be an upgrade on Murphy in that position? I’m not so sure.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
