Newcastle will speak to Juventus sporting director over signing "strong" ace
da poker： Looking ahead towards the summer, Newcastle United are reportedly set for talks with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Guintoli over bringing a midfield star back to the Premier League.
When Newcastle could seal UCL qualification
da spicy bet： Whilst the transfer window is on its way, the Magpies’ main focus should currently be transfixed on Champions League qualification. With their fate in their own hands too, Eddie Howe’s side could confirm their place in the next two games if results go their way.
If Newcastle manage to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion and then Chelsea next weekend all whilst the Blues suffer defeat against Liverpool in between, then they will have their Champions League place secured.
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He’s already a full international.
The alternative, meanwhile, relies on Aston Villa to lose their next two games against Fulham and Bournemouth whilst Newcastle pick up six points from six, allowing them to seal their place in the top five. Of course, at this stage it is merely a game of predictions, but the Magpies – no matter what – are responsible for their own destiny in the coming weeks.
As things stand in the Premier League
Points
Games played
Liverpool (C)
82
34
Arsenal
67
34
Newcastle United
62
34
Man City
61
34
Chelsea
60
34
Nottingham Forest
60
33
Aston Villa
57
34
Having his say on the Champions League race, Howe recently told reporters: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.
“They do [feel like a cup final]. With four games to go, you’re ticking down. We have put ourselves back into a strong position, but we know it can change quickly.”
Should those at St James’ Park seal their European place then all eyes will, of course, instantly go to the summer transfer window where one particular midfielder could be waiting.
Newcastle set for Douglas Luiz talks
According to TVPlay as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now set for talks with Cristiano Guintoli over signing Douglas Luiz this summer. The Juventus sporting director reportedly wants to learn more about the Magpies’ interest in the Brazilian whilst also discussing a potential swap deal involving Sandro Tonali.
Luiz has endured a frustrating spell in Italy and is almost certain for a Premier League return just one year on from his Aston Villa departure, with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest interested.
Whether those at St James’ Park are big enough admirers of Luiz that they part ways with the talented Tonali remains to be seen, however. When compared in the Premier League, it’s clear that the choice would be a difficult one to make.
Premier League stats (via FBref)
Douglas Luiz 23/24
Sandro Tonali 24/25
Starts
35
24
Tackles Won
38
29
Progressive Carries
60
33
Ball Recoveries
184
162
Given just how much Luiz has struggled at Juventus, Newcastle could even be in a position to chase his signature whilst keeping hold of Tonali. A player dubbed “strong” by Villa sporting director Monchi even amid his struggles earlier this season, Luiz will be desperate to get back to his best.