Jordan Veretout faces being shown the door at Roma this summer with Newcastle United reportedly keen on his transfer, and Eddie Howe can offer the club a big boost in a pursuit.
That’s because Foot Mercato report that while Veretout does not blame any individual for his decline this season, he accepts his style is no longer fit for the system Jose Mourinho is keen to establish at the Stadio Olimpico during the Portuguese boss’ first year at the helm.
Veretout had shone under Mourinho earlier in the campaign as the former Tottenham and Chelsea coach got settled in. But as results were never consistent, he sought to implement his defensive brand of football, which has led Roma to a nine Serie A game unbeaten run.
Veretout has featured in all nine of the Giallorossi’s last nine Italian top-flight fixtures, but he only started once. The 29-year-old had opened the action in all 21 of his prior outings this season, in which he also recorded all four of his goals and six of his total seven assists.
The change in system in Rome has proven costly for the five-cap France international, who relishes playing as a No.8. He does not enjoy the greater defensive responsibilities that the new system requires. It has also restricted his ability to impact games, especially in attack.
It is now extremely likely that Mourinho will look to sell the Ancenis-born technician. And Calciomercato cite Newcastle among the clubs most likely to sign Veretout from Roma in the summer transfer window. But Calciomercato also note Marseille have made an offer.
Eddie Howe can offer Newcastle big boost in pursuit of Roma’s Jordan Veretout
Marseille offered Roma just €8m (£7m) in recent days, but the Stadio Olimpico outfit want €16m (£13.5m) for Veretout’s transfer. The fee should easily be within the Magpies’ reach this summer if Howe does look to bring the former Aston Villa midfielder to St James’ Park.
Howe also offers the club a big boost in any transfer tussle, given why Veretout accepts his Roma career is fizzling out. The gaffer loves his engine room operators to play expressive football, get about the pitch and interlink play to the forwards. Aspects Veretout relishes.
He will likely face strong competition on Tyneside from Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and even Joelinton. But Veretout – who scored 10 Serie A goals last season and six in 2019/20 – would surely appreciate a chance to showcase his skills in a system that appreciates him.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
