Report: Steve Bruce has made specific request for Juventus youngster

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Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has reportedly made a specific request to sign Juventus youngster Radu Dragusin.

According to Calciomercato, the Magpies boss is very keen to snap up the Romanian central defender in the knowledge that Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez are both out of contract in the summer.

The 60-year-old would ideally like to keep hold of the pair, but it is not out of the question he could lose both.

Schar has suffered a knee injury that likely will rule him out for the rest of 2020/21, which could have repercussions for his future at the club.

Fernandez is said to want two more years at St. James’ Park, but The Sun reported last weekend (print edition, 07/02) that the club were prepared to offer a further year.

Dragusin is said to be interesting RB Leipzig as well as Newcastle, with the Bundesliga outfit likely to lose Dayot Upamecano.

But Newcastle may be in luck, as it’s also been reported recently (GFFN) that Leipzig have agreed a deal for Mohamad Simakan of Strasbourg.

The 19-year-old has real promise, and made UEFA’s recent list of 50 youngsters to watch out for in 2021, with him being described as ‘imposing’, ‘tall’, ‘strong’ and ‘skilful’.

Newcastle backline needs revitalising

Bruce eyeing a young central defender should be welcome news.

At the moment, Newcastle’s defensive options consist of players who are in and around the age of 30, and most of them have had injury troubles in recent years.

There is definitely need for a new centre-half, and young Dragusin could be a great pick-up.

It’s explained that Juve want to extend his contract because his current deal expires in the summer, so there might be a chance of a free swoop for the Magpies.