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Newcastle United have identified a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali if the Italian leaves St James’ Park this summer, according to reports.
Calciomercato.it claim that the Magpies are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram.
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However, they could face competition from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool for the player’s signature.
Juve are keen on keeping hold of Thuram, and they are hoping to hand him a new contract on an improved salary, but the Serie A club’s financial situation could pressure them into selling up.
Luciano Spaletti’s side could lose tens of millions if they don’t qualify for the Champions League. They are currently sitting one place below the final qualification spot, with Como three points above them in the table.
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How much would Thuram cost?
Calciomercato.it report that Juventus would demand upwards of €60m (£52m) for the 25-year-old. That is not a figure that Eddie Howe’s side could afford, as things stand.
However, if Tonali is sold, then some of the proceeds could be spent on Thuram. Of course, that is only a hypothetical scenario at this stage.
What are the chances of Tonali leaving Newcastle?
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Italian international is “open” to leaving the Magpies, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal attentive to his situation.
When asked about selling Tonali, club CEO David Hopkinson did not directly say that the midfielder is available, but he did not rule out a departure either, stating that the maximum price would be demanded if a player was to leave this summer:
“If an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms, and we are going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club.”
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