Newcastle United are interested in signing Empoli midfielder Kristjan Asllani this summer, according to a report from journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

Having come through the youth ranks at Empoli, the 20-year-old sensation made a senior debut in 2021 when appearing as a second-half substitute against Napoli in the Coppa Italia.

Since then the fully-fledged Albania international has made 27 appearances for the Azzurri's first team overall, taking a career tally to 111 outings across youth and reserve teams.

Currently still a one-club man, that could be set to change this summer. Following previous interest from West Ham, speculation surrounding Asllani's future has ramped up once more...

The latest: Newcastle interested in Asllani

As per Alfredo Pedulla, Newcastle are 'asking' the Serie A outfit to hold talks over a possible move for the twice-capped defensive midfielder.

It's claimed that 'there will be a meeting' between the two clubs over the coming days and 'all the roads are open' to the prospect of making a switch.

However, the report added that the Magpies face fierce competition from Milan and Inter, who are both 'strongly interested' in the starlet, who was recently dubbed a 'great talent' by journalist Wesley Victor Mak.

The verdict: Make it happen

Despite his tender years, Asllani made 26 appearances during 2021/22, scoring once and proving two assists whilst also delivering an impressive 84% passing accuracy, winning 2.3 duels and taking 40.8 touches per league game (Sofascore).

Sharing similar stylistic traits with familiar names such as Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz, Wolves star Ruben Neves and Newcastle's own Jonjo Shelvey (FBRef), unsurprisingly the talented Albanian holds passing as one of the strongest attributes in his armoury (WhoScored).

Predominantly operating in a deeper-lying midfield role, Asllani can also play in more advanced positions and would therefore act as a welcome boost to Eddie Howe's options as he and Dan Ashworth attempt to bolster the St James' Park squad.

Holding a market value of just £3.15m (Transfermarkt), PIF should have no problem sanctioning the funds required to make this move a reality, and it may well come down to convincing the youngster to choose Tyneside over Milan.

In other news: Craig Hope drops exciting Newcastle transfer update