Newcastle United could intensify their efforts to sign Juventus star Federico Chiesa, who is also on the radar of Liverpool.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool have drawn up a list of potential replacements for exit-bound star Mohamed Salah, and Juventus winger Federico Chiesa is one name on their list, but they could face stiff competition from Newcastle United.
Liverpool eyeing Chiesa as Salah’s replacement
Recent reports have suggested that Salah has reached an agreement in principle with Saudi side Al-Ittihad, who made a massive £150 million bid to capture him last summer.
The Egyptian winger has less than 18 months left on his Liverpool contract, so this summer is their final chance to collect a sizeable amount for his services.
As such, the Reds have already started planning for Salah’s departure and have identified a number of targets, including Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane and West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen.
Chiesa has also been linked with a move to the Reds, and a fresh report has claimed that Juventus are willing to part ways with him this summer.
The Serie A giants are understood to be locked in negotiations with Chiesa about a proposed new deal. His current contract expires in 2025, meaning potential suitors could approach him with a cut-price offer in the summer.
The 26-year-old, who joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 2020, enjoyed an exciting first campaign in Turin under the tutelage of Andrea Pirlo, but he has struggled with various injury problems ever since.
He was firing on all cylinders at the start of the season, and he has scored six goals and made two assists in 21 Serie A appearances for Juventus this term.
However, he has been in uninspiring form following another injury setback, with Kenan Yildiz emerging as a direct competitor for his starting role.
Newcastle set to rival Liverpool in Chiesa race
Newcastle are also interested in Chiesa, so they could compete with Liverpool for his signature this summer.
The Magpies are targeting top players this summer to bolster their ranks, although they could be hamstrung by Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Manager Eddie Howe already has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal. Only last summer, Newcastle splashed out over £40 million on Harvey Barnes to add to the attacking contingent boasting Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, and Miguel Almiron.
However, Almiron is attracting significant interest from the Saudi Pro League and could be moved on this summer. Chiesa would be a top-class replacement, considering he’s both footed and can play on both wings or behind a striker.
