Newcastle United have emerged as a new contender to sign Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali this summer.
The Magpies saw Kieran Trippier depart for free, leaving them with Tino Livramento and Leo Shahar as their two right-backs.
The latter, 19-years-old, has made only one appearance for Newcastle United’s first team. A calf injury forced Livramento to miss the World Cup and undergo surgery.
Matthias Jaissle’s side are yet to sign Trippier’s replacement. Last week, we relayed news of Fiorentina’s worry over the Magpies tempting Dodô with a convincing offer.
New target for Newcastle United
TuttoMercatoWeb report the Premier League side have identified the Algeria international as a right-back target.
Rafik Belghali is on his way out of Hellas Verona, after their relegation from Serie A.
AS Roma and Juventus have shown interest, while there have been reports of Fiorentina and Napoli wanting him.
However, his future could be away from Italy as there’s interest from Newcastle United.
Hellas Verona have set a €12m plus bonuses demand, and aim to collect €15m if there’s a bidding war.
Algerian report backs up Magpies interest
DZ Foot in Algeria echoes this and then shares their own updates on the English club’s interest.
After several Italian clubs monitored him, Matthias Jaissle’s side emerged as a new suitor, and this could change the dynamics.
Newcastle United appreciate the 24-year-old’s profile, so much so that they could ‘soon make a concrete offer’.
DZ Foot says a move from the Serie B to the Premier League would ‘be a major milestone in his career’.
These are the factors that favour the Magpies to beat other clubs and close the signing, provided there’s a big push. In short, should the English club table an offer, Rafik Belghali is likely to accept it.
Key transfer points
- Trippier left as free agent, replacement hasn’t arrived yet
- Belghali new right-back target for PL side
- Algerian to leave Hellas Verona, who won’t block his sale
- Newcastle United could submit a concrete bid
