Newcastle and West Ham could move for player – Tied to manager hunt, he has ‘passion’ for signing

Newcastle United and West Ham are showing interest in Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, although a move could be tied to Maurizio Sarri.

That’s according to Il Messaggero, relayed by Torino Granata, who report that Sarri is a fan of the midfielder and could look to bring him to Newcastle or West Ham if he ends up taking charge of either side.

Sarri is currently enjoying a forced rest after being sacked by Lazio, but is very much ready to jump back into work in the summer at a new club.

Reports have already indicated he’s turned down offers from Italy and could instead be heading towards the Premier League.

Newcastle and West Ham have been credited with interest in him, while he already rejected Nottingham Forest earlier this year.

That same report indicated that if he ended up at either club, he could look to take several former players with him, but Il Messaggero report Ricci could be another target.

They say that his ‘passion for Ricci’ is well known and Lazio’s failure to sign him even led to problems with those above him at the club.

Thus, there is every chance he could push to sign the midfielder again this summer, if he ends up taking charge at Newcastle or West Ham.

A deal for Ricci wouldn’t be a cheap as he’s highly rated by Torino and has a contract until 2026, but with reports elsewhere stating Sarri has asked for €50m in spending money perhaps that’s something he’s already factored in.