Newcastle United are now in the running to sign Adrien Rabiot from Juventus, according to French newspaper L'Equipe.

The lowdown

Rabiot, who played for Manchester City as a youngster, joined Juventus from PSG on a free transfer in 2019.

He's since notched 129 appearances for the Bianconeri, including 45 in all competitions last season. Primarily a central midfielder, the Frenchman has also featured heavily on the left-hand side under Max Allegri in 2021/22.

The 27-year-old is out of contract in 12 months' time, and so Juventus are aware that this may be their last opportunity to cash in.

The latest

L'Equipe (via NUFC Blog) report that Rabiot has asked to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer.

Newcastle are competing with two of the Premier League's big six in Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

The Old Lady are said to be willing to offload him for a fee of just €15million (£12.9million).

The verdict

Rabiot is a player who can make a difference both in and out of possession. He ranks in the 74th percentile of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries per 90 minutes, helping his team get up the pitch, while he's also in the top 20 percentiles for pressures, tackles and blocks.

He's won a whole host of trophies in this career, including six Ligue 1 titles, one Serie A crown and the UEFA Nations League (24 overall).

But Eddie Howe will have to be wary of putting team harmony at risk, with Rabiot involved in an 'explosive bust-up' behind-the-scenes during his time at PSG that saw him banned from using the dressing room (via The Daily Mirror).

In other news, Newcastle have been offered this Sven Botman alternative.