Newcastle United are now prepared to submit an offer for Inter Milan star Petar Sucic, but there could be competition from Premier League rivals Leeds United.
Sucic is a central midfielder, which is a position Newcastle have been eager to strengthen, having lost Sandro Tonali, while Bruno Guimaraes continues to attract interest from Arsenal, who could get a deal over the line if they submit a £80m bid.
The Croatian got his first big move last summer, signing for Inter Milan from Dinamo Zagreb, and he remained a first-team regular throughout the campaign, picking up four goals and four assists in 54 matches in all competitions.
Despite chipping in from an attacking point of view, the 22-year-old primarily flourishes at the opposite end of the pitch, averaging 2.3 tackles per 90 in the Serie A last season.
For reference, Jacob Ramsey was the only Newcastle player to record a higher average in the Premier League, with the 31-year-old averaging 2.6 per 90.
Ex-Dinamo Zagreb boss Nenad Bjelica believes his former player is capable of offering something going forward too, while he was also full of praise for his work rate.
“He’s a pure talent and will have a nice career with the Nerazzurri. He runs relentlessly, at least 13 kilometers per game, and knows how to do everything in the midfield: deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box, and no.10. He’s a gifted jack-of-all-trades.
“He’s a top player and guy.”
Newcastle ready to make move for Petar Sucic
The PIF are now ready to make an offer of around €35m to €40m (£30m – £34m) for Sucic, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), but there could be competition for his signature.
That is because Leeds have also made contact regarding a deal for the Croatia international, who is highly regarded by Inter Milan.
Manager Cristian Chivu believes the former Dinamo Zagreb star will kick on next season, which means the Serie A side are reluctant to sanction a departure.
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How Petar Sucic compares to Newcastle’s other midfield signings |
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Petar Sucic |
Sucic has already proven himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, making 34 Serie A appearances for an Inter Milan side that won the title last season. The Bosnia and Herzegovina-born midfielder was one of Inter’s top tacklers, while also contributing from an attacking point of view on occasion. |
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Aladji Bamba |
Newcastle confirmed the signing of Bamba last week, with the Frenchman arriving from AS Monaco. At 20-years-old, he is younger than Sucic, and less experienced, having only made 25 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 side. However, an average of 3.6 tackles per 90 in Ligue 1 last season is certainly a very encouraging sign. |
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Sean Steur |
Signing Steur could also be viewed as a gamble, considering he is just 18-years-old, and made 26 senior appearances for Ajax before completing a move to St. James’ Park. Considering Tonali has already left, and Guimaraes could still move on, Newcastle may need to sign a more experienced midfielder this summer. |
Newcastle leading race for Giorgio Scalvini
Newcastle are eager to bring in another Serie A star alongside Sucic, with it recently being revealed they are now leading the race for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.
Eddie Howe‘s side are keen to improve their options at centre-back, considering Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34-years-old.