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‘Under the radar’: Shearer says £149k-a-week Newcastle target has been underrated at the World Cup

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Alan Shearer has said Juventus midfielder and reported Newcastle target Adrien Rabiot has been underrated for his performances at the World Cup.

Taking to a live Q&A session with The Athletic, the Toon legend was full of praise for the 27-year-old, who is set to feature for France against England on Saturday.

A previous report from Calciomercato states that the Magpies have shown an interest in bringing the Serie A player to St James’ Park. Now, Shearer has picked the Frenchman out for praise.

France v Poland: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

I’ve watched France a couple of times live at the World Cup, Griezmann is going under the radar, as is Rabiot in midfield,” he said.

“There are fascinating battles all over the pitch.

“It’s going to be a shoot-out.”

Shearer praises Newcastle target Rabiot

Although Rabiot has faced criticism in the past, he has enjoyed a great season with Juventus.

In 11 Serie A games this term, the midfielder has bagged three goals and two assists. Even in the Champions League, he netted twice in five outings – in what was a disappointing run for the Turin outfit.

With the likes of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante out injured for the World Cup, Rabiot has been thrown into Didier Deschamps’ starting XI.

In the nation’s opening fixture against Australia, the Frenchman bagged a goal and an assist – cementing his place in the somewhat make-shift side.

Currently earning £149,000-a-week at Juventus, Newcastle certainly have the funds to bring him to Tyneside.

Tunisia v France: Group D - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

With a big push for Champions League qualification, Eddie Howe is looking to add quality in depth to his squad.

Therefore, this could be an ideal transfer to make, especially with the player out of contract at the end of the season.

The Toon could either bring him in on a cheap deal in January, or wait and sign him as a free agent in the summer.