Newcastle United’s decision to turn down the option to sign Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral gives supporters a ‘big hint’ on the club's transfer plans, according to Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Newcastle turn down Demiral

As per Chronicle Live, the Magpies declined the opportunity to sign the defender just last week.

The 24-year-old was offered to Newcastle by the Serie A outfit after Eddie Howe’s staff had been scouting him whilst he was on loan at Atalanta last season.

However, it has now been announced that the Bergamo outfit have triggered a clause to purchase the Turkey international for just €20m (£17.2m), leading the Magpies to pass up their chance to sign the defender.

The Latest: Ryder’s claim on Demiral

Taking to Twitter on Saturday morning, Ryder has commented on Newcastle’s decision to not sign Demiral, which he believes offers a significant clue as to their summer transfer plans. The reporter tweeted: “#nufc decision to turn down Juventus centre-back gives big hint on their plans”

In the adjacent Chronicle Live article, Ryder asserts that this illustrates the club’s intentions when it comes to signing a centre-back.

Having already passed on the soon-to-be free agent James Tarkowski, it is reported that Howe would ideally pair Fabian Schar alongside transfer target Sven Botman, whilst Manchester City’s Nathan Ake is the other ambitious target identified by the Tyneside club.

The Verdict: Confident in signing Botman?

With Newcastle turning down Demiral, this could suggest that St James' Park recruitment staff are confident of landing Botman from Lille, despite rumours linking the Dutchman with a move to AC Milan.

Nonetheless, this demonstrates the level of player that the Magpies are now aiming to sign - Demiral is no slouch, having represented Turkey 35 times and made 12 Champions League appearances.

Therefore, this could be a sign that Botman is nearing a move to Tyneside, with Newcastle perhaps increasingly confident that they can get the deal done.

In other news: One pundit has been wowed by this Newcastle transfer news