Paulo Dybala has been linked with Newcastle United after suggestions in Italy say he could quit AS Roma this summer.
The World Cup winner has cast doubt over his future by saying on the record he was "unsure" of his next move and that he "hoped" that Roma could qualify for the Champions League. The indication in Serie A is that Dybala, who signed from Juventus last summer for Jose Mourinho's team, could walk away if Roma don't make the top four.
Dybala has a release clause in his contract that means overseas clubs could sign him for just £10.6million. The Argentina star said: "I don't know what’ll happen at the end of the season. "I hope Roma play in the Champions League next year. The clause is between Roma and my representatives."
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Newcastle aren't the only side interested in the former Juventus goal machine. Manchester United have also checked out the star who plays as a second striker while Tottenham and Arsenal have also taken a look in the past.
Eddie Howe and his scouting team know that playing in the Champions League could open the door to a whole host of interesting deals. It is understood that work for the summer is already well under way and that Newcastle have already made good progress on one deal that they have been pursuing in recent months.
Head of recruitment Steve Nickson has been back on Tyneside after a series of scouting missions with United hopeful of hitting the ground running next summer in the transfer market.
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