Newcastle United are lining up Juventus star Khephren Thuram to replace one of their key players this summer, but they face some major hurdles in their bid to land him, according to Calciomercato.
Newcastle's disappointing 2025-26 season went from bad to worse this month as their humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona was followed up by a devastating home defeat to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, which meant their arch-rivals completed the Premier League double over them this season.
The result dropped the Magpies below Sunderland and down to 12th in the standings, and they now face an uphill battle to qualify for Europe in the final seven matches of the season.
Champions League qualification is already looking beyond Eddie Howe and his men as they lie seven points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, with a top-five finish set to be enough to guarantee a sport in Europe's elite club competition next term.
Chelsea are just one point adrift of the Reds in a Europa League spot, with that competition or the Europa Conference League currently Newcastle's best hope of ensuring they have European football next term.
Newcastle Want Thuram if Sandro Tonali Leaves
sandro tonali
According to Calciomercato, Newcastle are eyeing a move for a 'key' Juventus player should they lose Sandro Tonali this summer.
A report last week suggested that the Italian has a 'gentlemen's agreement' to be able to explore a move away from St James' Park this summer should they fail to qualify for Europe.
That is a distinct possibility as things stand, and it would be no surprise if Tonali wanted to look at leaving anyway if there is no Champions League football on offer for him on Tyneside.
GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano revealed in recent days that Manchester United are 'working hard' on a deal to sign Tonali, with a separate report saying that the Red Devils will make a formal approach to Newcastle for him at the end of the season.
The Magpies will already be thinking about contingency plans should they lose the 25-year-old, and one of those is Thuram, who has become a cornerstone of Luciano Spalletti's Juve side.
Newcastle Face Thuram Hurdles
Khephren Thuram
Thuram has been linked with a move to the Premier League for several months following his success, and the report adds that Newcastle could face competition from United and Liverpool, who are also both keen on the France international.
It was suggested over the weekend by a separate Italian source that the Red Devils are actually in 'pole position' to land the midfielder.
As well as the two English giants, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are also showing interest in the 'spectacular' 25-year-old.
Another hurdle is the fact that Juve see Thuram as untouchable this summer, even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
That said, an offer of close to €60m (£52m) could force them to consider selling, although their focus is on a new, improved contract for their key player.