Newcastle keen on signing ‘relentless’ attacker, just after claims Liverpool were ready to bid

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Newcastle United have entered the race to sign reported Liverpool target Federico Chiesa.

Chiesa looks likely to leave Juventus this summer having fallen out with coach Max Allegri. So far, Liverpool have been rumoured to be big candidates to sign the Italian. Claims even emerged yesterday that an initial £34m bid is being prepared at Anfield.

However, according to a report from journalist Gianluca Di Marzio last night, Newcastle are now hot on Chiesa’s trail.

Di Marzio claims that the Magpies have already ‘requested information’ from Juventus about the 25-year-old. They’re said to prefer a move for Chiesa over one for Dusan Vlahovic, his teammate in Turin.

Aston Villa are another club mentioned with an interest in the Italy international. Villa are even reportedly ready to offer £51m right away. Unfortunately for them though, Chiesa is said to have ‘no interest’ in joining Unai Emery’s side.

Newcastle enter Chiesa race

If Newcastle do firm up their interest in Chiesa, you’d imagine he’s much more likely to end up there than Liverpool.

Not because Eddie Howe’s team are more attractive, although they can obviously offer Champions League football. Rather, because the Reds don’t necessarily need Chiesa right now.

It would be nice to add another forward, and would love either the ‘relentless’ Juve man or Samuel Chukwueze. Neither is really a necessity this summer, though.

As everyone knows, the Reds need to focus more heavily on in investing in their midfield. After that, a new defensive signing would also be very welcome. Adding another forward is bottom of the list.

However, that doesn’t make it totally out of the question. Liverpool have always been ready to make unexpected moves should opportunities arrive in the market, and Chiesa could be one of those.

The former Fiorentina winger has been rumoured to have been on their radar for years, but has always felt out of reach. Now seemingly available for a relatively decent price, Liverpool might sense a rare chance.

If they do, it seems they’ll have to battle it out with Newcastle. Should it come down to a case of either or, we’d still back Liverpool to come out on top. But right now, the Toon’s will to sign Chiesa up seems to be stronger.