Newcastle United have reportedly suffered a setback in pursuit of Torino striker Andrea Belotti, who has snubbed a January move to St. James’ Park.
According to Transfer Market Web, Italy and Torino striker Andrea Belotti has turned down an approach from Newcastle United. Along with Newcastle, the 28-year-old Italian international has also rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC as he is determined to finish the rest of the season at his current club.
Belotti’s current deal with Torino will expire at the end of the season and is yet to agree on a new deal with the club. The report suggests the Italian striker is unlikely to sign an extension with the Serie A club and looks destined to leave the Granata as a free agent in the summer.
Newcastle seem much more willing to spend big in arguably their most important transfer window in recent history as they look to stave off relegation to the Championship. The Magpies have already signed Kieran Trippier, and adding further signings is imperative given the lack of quality in their squad.
The Magpies are desperate to sign a new striker by the end of this transfer window in order to provide cover for top-scorer Callum Wilson’s absence. The English striker is set to be out of action for at least eight weeks due to a calf injury. As a result, Newcastle have launched a pursuit for Torino marksman Belotti, although as per the report, he has turned down the club’s advances.
Belotti joined Torino from Palermo back in 2015 and has established himself as one of the most consistent strikers in Serie A over the years. Renowned as one of Italy’s best No. 9s, the Rooster has scored 107 goals in 238 games for the Granata in all competitions and has been carrying his side to beat the drop in the last couple of seasons.
The 28-year-old, though, is enduring a difficult season at Torino so far. The Torino skipper has suffered two serious knee injuries and has managed only nine league appearances this term, scoring just two goals in the process. A host of clubs across Europe have expressed interest in signing Belotti, including preferred destination AC Milan, AS Roma, Fiorentina, and Sevilla FC.
As far as Newcastle are concerned, Belotti would have been a perfect replacement to Wilson. Both possess a similar style of play in terms of hold-up play and running in behind the opposition defences, and they are both prolific goalscorers and tenacious pressers off the ball. At 28, the Italian international is certainly in his peak years.
Belotti is expected to leave Torino later this year to consider all available options, with Newcastle’s offer coming prematurely. Newcastle are deep in a relegation battle, making it a hard sell to convince Belotti to leave Torino early in favour of a switch to Tyneside.
Although the Italian international has rejected Newcastle’s initial approach, the club may still attempt to persuade Belotti to reconsider his decision before the transfer window shuts as their hunt for striking reinforcements continues.
