PIF green light move as Newcastle hold “significant” talks to sign £43m target

Newcastle United have now got the backing of PIF to launch a major offer to sign a Serie A star in what could be their second addition of the summer.

Newcastle hold talks to sign defender

It’s already threatening to be another hectic summer at St James’ Park, kicked off by the departure of Anthony Gordon and continued by the pending arrival of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.

After last year consisted of last-minute business to make up for the departure of Alexander Isak, it should come as little surprise that Ross Wilson is aiming to change things up in his first summer as sporting director.

Jaouen may just be the start for Newcastle this summer. Recent reports suggest that they’re keen to welcome a number of new names and could win the race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli to replace Gordon.

With Jaouen arriving to potentially act as a replacement for Nick Pope and Ezzalzouli lined up to replace Gordon, it could be a summer of finding replacements at St James’ Park.

It’s a theory which is growing legs and one that is helped by the club’s pursuit of a Serie A right-back. According to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have held “significant” talks to sign Marco Pelestra from Cagliari and have the green light from PIF to reach the Italian side’s €50m (£43m) asking price.

Such a big-money negotiation could suggest that Tino Livramento or Lewis Hall are heading for the exit door. The former received plenty of interest last summer and that is set to continue one year later. Meanwhile, Hall is stealing major headlines amid Manchester United’s potential move.

Why Newcastle should spend big on Palestra

Losing either Hall or Livramento would be a major blow this summer. After missing out on Champions League football, though, Newcastle may have little say in the matter.

Rumours over the last month have even gone as far as to suggest that Livramento has agreed terms with Premier League champions Arsenal, putting Newcastle on red alert.

The departure of the right-back would likely turn Palestra into a priority target ahead of next season, and it’s easy to see why he’s on Newcastle’s radar, given that he can also play both fullback sides.

Dubbed “excellent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Palestra’s availability would instantly provide Eddie Howe with a more reliable option than Livramento, as would his work out of possession. By cashing in, the Magpies could welcome an instant upgrade this summer.

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