The agent of Lorenzo Insigne reportedly 'continues to have contacts' with Newcastle United over a potential transfer.
The Lowdown: Winger wanted?
Given that the St James' Park club have been linked with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele in recent days, it seems as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are potentially targeting a new winger.
Eddie Howe needs all of the reinforcements he can get with his team currently lurking at the bottom end of the Premier League table, although it is unclear what kind of calibre of player that the Magpies would be able to attract in the January transfer window given that they are in a relegation battle.
The Latest: Insigne contact
As per Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Insigne's agent 'continues to have contacts' with Newcastle, as well as a number of other clubs.
The total cost to sign him, including the signing-on fee, yearly wages and image rights, is €13m (£11.1m), but his current deal at Napoli expires in the summer, so he could potentially leave the Serie A leaders on a free transfer.
The Verdict: Could be a bargain
Given that Insigne is currently valued at £43.2m by Transfermarkt, the new owners on Tyneside could find themselves a real bargain by signing him.
He is a player that Newcastle and England fans will know well as he was part of the Italy team which broke the Three Lions' hearts in the Euro 2020 final, where he put in a tormenting performance, winning five of his duels and recording five shots on goal, three successful dribbles and one key pass (SofaScore).
A true legend at Napoli, Insigne has played more than 400 times for them in total, including 79 appearances under former Magpies manager Rafa Benitez, in which he scored 11 goals and supplied 17 assists (Transfermarkt).
The current Everton boss sang the praises of the Italy international back in 2015, and at 30 years of age, he has now been trusted with the captain's armband.
It could be very difficult to persuade him to join a relegation battle, but he would be well worth the signature for Newcastle given his undoubted quality.
In other news, NUFC are 'leading the chase' to sign this Premier League midfielder