Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Wednesday, August 10.
Newcastle ‘closing in’ on Muriel
Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that Newcastle are closing in on a move for Atalanta forward Luis Muriel. Juventus had been linked with the Colombian international, but the Serie A giants are instead pursuing a move for FC Barcelona’s Memphis Depay.
Newcastle’s links with Muriel were first reported by Tutto Mercato Web on Saturday. Muriel is currently in the final year of his contract in Bergamo and Atalanta reportedly value him at £12.6m.
The 31-year-old has endured a career of mixed success both in Italy and Spain but has reached the peak of his powers at Atalanta. He has scored 69 times and registered 22 assists in 128 appearances across all competitions for La Dea – netting a career-high 26 goals in 2020/21.
Muriel recently featured for Atalanta at St James’ Park, as Newcastle prevailed 1-0 courtesy of a penalty from Chris Wood in their penultimate pre-season friendly in July.
‘No offers’ for Pedrosa
Espanyol have not received any offers for left-back Adria Pedrosa amid links with Newcastle and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mundo Deportivo claimed last week that the Magpies were set to join Brighton in the race to sign the 24-year-old, prompting Espanyol CEO May Yeo to address Pedrosa’s future in the Spanish media.
Pedrosa’s contract is due to expire in June 2023 but Yeo insists no bids have been received and confirmed that they are in talks with Pedrosa and his representatives over a new deal.
Ye told Le Grada: “No [we have not had any bids for Pedrosa]. We have always talked about renewal with his agents.”
Newcastle eye Gomez
Newcastle have emerged as one of the clubs believed to be interested in Valencia forward Maxi Gomez, according to Turkish publication Aksam. The report adds that Gomez, who has two years left on his contract at Valencia, could be available for a fee of around £10m.
The Magpies will face stern competition from Fenerbahce, who are set to step up their approach for the Uruguayan international. Gomez has been one of a number of centre-forwards linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attack with the addition of a striker and a winger.
Gomez arrived at the Mestalla from Celta Vigo after scoring 30 goals in 75 appearances for his former employers. The striker has found the net 22 times for Valencia but netted just five goals in 32 outings last term.
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