Newcastle United are being linked with a transfer for AS Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout.
Foot Mercato claim today that the club are looking to land the Frenchman next month in a bid to strengthen his midfield options.
Veretout has been with Roma since the summer of 2019, joining on an initial loan deal from Fiorentina.
He made that move permanent a year later for a fee that could rise to €18 million (£15 million).
Veretout has pretty much been regular in the Roma starting XI since his arrival, and this term there has been no change with that. Under Jose Mourinho, he has made 24 appearances across all competitions.
Newcastle’s apparent interest in Veretout coincides with reports today that Isaac Hayden is facing around two months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery.
That is a real blow for the Magpies, and is something that will potentially prompt Newcastle to act in the transfer market.
Veretout is capable of operating as a holding midfielder like Hayden.
But mostly this season he has played as central midfielder, which has helped him to contribute five goals and four assists.
Some may feel Veretout’s name rings a bell. That’s because he did actually have a stint in English football with Aston Villa earlier in his career.
He made 29 appearances for the Villans between 2015 and 2017.
Jordan Veretout could be a decent pick-up by Newcastle, but will Mourinho allow it?
Veretout did not have a great time of things at Aston Villa after his £8 million transfer there.
He suffered relegation with the club in his first season, and then was loaned out to Saint-Etienne in his second before being sold.
But at the age of 28, Veretout is now a much better and more mature player.
A return of 22 goals and 13 assists for Roma is not too bad a record for a central midfield player.
And this season he’s been neat on the ball, as evidenced by a pass accuracy of 87% (via WhoScored), which may appeal to Eddie Howe.
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