Newcastle have already made their move to sign ‘extraordinary’ player on free transfer

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Newcastle United have now made their first move to sign Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.

The magpies have been keen on Adrien Rabiot for a while and now the 28-year-old is about to become a free agent, Newcastle have already made their move.

That is according to reports in Italy. Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) has claimed that Newcastle have already offered Rabiot a contract worth over £4million a year to move to Tyneside.

Rabiot could be tempted by Newcastle to play CL football

However, that’s reportedly nearly £2million-a-year less than what he’s currently on at Juventus.

One thing that could sway things in Newcastle’s favour is that they, unlike Juventus, will be playing in the Champions League next season which is a competition Rabiot will want to be playing in.

Rabiot’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the month which is why Newcastle have moved quickly to try and get a deal wrapped up before other clubs come in.

Last season Rabiot made 48 appearances for Juventus in all competitions, scoring 11 goals setting up six more. He was also a key part of the France World Cup squad which made it all the way to the final.

Wages will be the biggest problem when it comes to Rabiot

If Newcastle could persuade Rabiot to join in the summer we’d be getting an ‘extraordinary’ player with bags of experience of playing at the top level which is exactly what Eddie Howe is looking for this summer.

His wage demands may be a stumbling block, especially coming in on a free transfer, he’s unlikely to be keen taking a £2million-a-year pay cut.

It would be a huge coup and a statement by Newcastle if they were able to attract a player of Rabiot’s quality to play for Newcastle so early in the project.