Newcastle United and West Ham United have made enquiries towards understanding the demands placed by Lorenzo Insigne’s camp over a transfer.
According to Corriere Dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Newcastle United and West Ham United are vying to sign Lorenzo Insigne next summer and have lodged enquiries with his agent. However, it could take a huge offer to bring the Italian to the Premier League.
After playing more than 400 games and spending his entire career with Napoli, Lorenzo Insigne could be set for a departure when the current campaign ends as his contract is on the verge of expiry. The biggest issue in extending his stay at the Serie A club has been the underwhelming offer presented to the Euro winner, who is keen on a bigger paycheck.
Earlier reports suggested Napoli have offered a lower salary than what he earns currently due to financial issues at the club, which had dashed all hopes over prolonging his stay in Naples. It led to speculation over a move to the Premier League or somewhere else where his financial demands are met, with Newcastle and West Ham among clubs who are interested.
The recent report of Newcastle’s enquiry comes after contrasting stories suggesting the Magpies had made a bumper contract offer to Insigne worth €7 million a season after taxes, in a bid to lure him to St James Park. However, the only proposal the attacker has on the table comes from Toronto FC, who are willing to pay him €11 million after taxes each season for five years.
Premier League sides are not expected to offer such sums, although Insigne is reportedly open to listening to offers from England. The Magpies are keen on signing quality players who will lift their profile in the short term, and Insigne, with his quality and CV, certainly fits the bill.
However, the Magpies have rivals in West Ham United who are willing to explore the opportunity to sign him. David Moyes has led his limited squad to impressive results in the last eighteen months and believes some quality incomings could further boost his team’s prospects.
From a playing perspective, West Ham are surely an exciting prospect for a quality player such as the Italian to choose as his next destination. However, the Hammers are not known to pay their players high wages, which could prompt Insigne to reject their approach.
The report clarifies that whichever team intends to lure Insigne to their side will have to make a bumper financial offer to tempt the attacker. Newcastle certainly have the financial muscle to make it happen, although for now, their priorities remain with surviving the relegation battle.
If the Magpies remain in the Premier League, they would make a realistic offer to Insigne to join them next summer. However, from the look of things and the current options on the table, the 30-year-old Italian might move base to Canada by signing for Toronto FC.
