Newcastle learn Zaniolo ‘price’ as transfer saga set to go down to the wire

Newcastle United 2 Brighton and Hove Albion 1, Simon Bird shares his thoughts.

Galatasary forward Nicolo Zaniolo has been linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer, just seven months after joining the club. The 24-year-old impressed during his maiden campaign for the Turkish Super Lig side and has been attracting interest from all around the globe.

AC Milan and Juventus are among the clubs interested in acquiring his services. However, Newcastle are understood to be the frontrunners and have reportedly already entered into talks with Zaniolo’s agent.

Galatasaray are willing to let the player go this summer in order to recoup funds after racking up a huge amount of debt over the last few seasons. Zaniolo has a £30.1million release clause in his contract but according to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Galatasaray would be willing to accept offers of around £26m.

The club have reportedly suffered £219m worth of losses and club president Dursun Ozbek affirms they will look to level their books this summer. “We will work harder and we will declare profit next year,” he told the Turkish press.

As a result, multiple members of the first team are expected to depart with Zaniolo among those who could be sent packing. Galatasaray defeated Zalgiris on Wednesday in their Champions League qualifying clash.

Zaniolo was not made available for the game amid rampant speculation surrounding his future. However, manager Okan Buruk downplayed his absence stating that he was not selected due to a minor groin issue picked up in training earlier in the week. 

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Buruk told Sabah Spor: “Zaniolo felt pain in his groin in the last tactical training, otherwise he would have been in the first eleven. He is one of the players we trust, we will use it in the next matches.”

Eddie Howe is understood to be planning on playing Zaniolo on the left wing following the departure of Allan Saint-Maximin. Harvey Barnes has already been brought in to replace the Frenchman from Leicester City but the interest in Zaniolo hints at further activity to bolster the club’s attacking options.

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