NEWCASTLE UNITED are exploring a move for MARSEILLE centre back Leonardo Balerdi.
The 26-year-old Argentina international has been impressing under Roberto De Zerbi and has drawn enquiries from Juventus in recent weeks, having worked previously with their coach Igor Tudor at Marseille.
However, with Juventus juggling a number of targets and their budget limited, Newcastle have sensed an opportunity in the window and are seeing if a deal can be struck around £35million.
With LIVERPOOL expected to proceed in talks for CRYSTAL PALACE‘s Marc Guehi or Jorrel Hato at AJAX, Newcastle have been looking for an alternative option at centre back so have turned to Balerdi.
Newcastle remain attentive to a potential deal for NOTTINGHAM FOREST‘s Anthony Elanga despite the fact their opening salvo of £45m was dismissed. Elanga is in the process of leaving agents CAA Stellar for Michael Jarman, who represents Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma and has close ties with boxer Anthony Joshua.
WEST HAM insiders say that Newcastle are also among the clubs showing interest in Mohammed Kudus.
Newcastle are exploring a move for Marseille centre back Leonardo Balerdi (left)
The Magpies have not given up the chase for Anthony Elanga at Nottingham Forest
West Ham insiders have also revealed that Newcastle are interested in Mohammed Kudus
Mail Sport reported last month that TOTTENHAM had joined the list of clubs keen on the Ghana international and they have held positive initial talks. However, it is understood all the ‘top six’ have made varying levels of enquiry with Chelsea and Arsenal still among them.
Kudus has switched representatives recently to Roof agency who have the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Kai Havertz and Crystal Palace target Ousmane Diomande in their stable.
West Ham need to sell to appease PSR concerns and will compromise their valuation on Kudus to around £65m, to enable them to strengthen elsewhere.
Liverpool midfielder and England Under 21 international Tyler Morton is among the many options on West Ham’s radar. He is valued around £15m, though has interest from Ajax and Portuguese side Braga.
Diaz sale a no-go for Liverpool
Liverpool have no plans to sell Luis Diaz this summer.
No formal offers have been made for the Colombian though Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and their considerable financial clout could yet change that.
Bayern Munich are the latest club to discuss Diaz internally but they are juggling options which also include MANCHESTER UNITED‘s Marcus…