Newcastle are searching for a winger, and that search has taken them to Italy.
The latest player linked is Valentino Lazaro, a 23-year-old Austria international who joined Inter Milan last summer.
Italian website Alfredo Pedulla make the claim, stating that Lazaro is preparing to leave the San Siro, and that Newcastle are leading the race to sign him.
He cost Inter around £19 million in July 2019, arriving from Hertha Berlin. However, the midfielder has barely been used in Milan. He’s made 11 appearances in all competitions for Antonio Conte’s side, who are flying high in Serie A.
Lazaro is predominantly a right midfielder, but can also operate in defence. In the season prior to joining Inter, Lazaro spent most of the campaign with Hertha at right-back.
This would certainly increase his stock at St James’ Park, as the right wing-back role hasn’t been nailed down by anyone in black and white this season. Javi Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin have impressed in flashes, while Emil Krafth has really struggled.
But it’s offensively where we need new recruits. Lazaro’s preference to play on the right is ideal, as we already have two players who want to be on the left.
Miguel Almiron doesn’t look as comfortable on the right, so Lazaro could add some much needed composure and craft on that flank. He could give us the balance we’re missing.
Steve Bruce was asked by the media about Lazaro on Friday morning, and he was quite cryptic. He told Sky Sports: “We’ve been linked with 58 players and he’s the latest. I don’t want to comment on that one just yet.”
Just yet…
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