During the time of Newcastle United’s supposed takeover, transfer rumours were wild.
Players like Edinson Cavani and Federico Chiesa were being linked with a move to St James’ Park, yet none stuck as much as the one involving Ciro Immobile.
The Lazio striker was a supposed target for the consortium as they looked to make a big statement signing as soon as their takeover was complete, and they’d highlighted the in-form Italian as the man to kick the new era off in the north of England.
However, everything came crashing down when they were stopped from buying the club from Mike Ashley, leading to fewer and fewer stories involving big names.
We never doubted that Newcastle wanted someone like Immobile, but we never thought it went as far as it did, as the player explained in an interview with Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday.
Asked if the last few weeks, with many rumours about his possible exit from Lazio, had been distracting, replied: “During the period when Newcastle’s takeover was being talked about, they rang my agent, Alessandro Moggi.
“Then the Premier League didn’t let the takeover go through, or the consortium pulled out. I can’t remember exactly. I know they were looking for an Italian manager, [Maximiliano] Allegri or [Luciano] Spalletti”.
The 30-year-old has been in incredible form this season with Lazio, scoring 39 goals and assisting another eight in 44 appearances this season, helping his team qualify for next year’s Champions League in the process.
