As expected, Newcastle United have now officially announced the signing of Lukas Hornicek. The Czech Republic goalkeeper has arrived from SC Braga. The expectation is for him to be the new number one, with Ewen Jaouen playing the backup role following his summer arrival from Reims.
As for Nick Pope, he is expected to leave. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has only a year left on his contract. Ipswich Town are believed to be keen on signing him this summer.
With the goalkeeper situation sorted, Newcastle United can now focus on other positions on the pitch. One of them is their midfield. In fact, it is the one in urgent need for reinforcements.
Sandro Tonali has left for Tottenham Hotspur. Bruno Guimaraes is believed to be on the verge of joining Arsenal. Joelinton and Joe Willock are expected to leave as well. All of this combined, the midfield could be set to lose a ton of quality and experience. Could an Inter Milan player be the solution?
Newcastle United want Inter Milan midfielder
Newcastle United had signed Tonali from Italian giants AC Milan. Now, it looks like it is a midfielder from their city rivals, Inter, is on the Magpies’ radar.
According to Corriere dello Sport (via The Standard), Newcastle United have expressed an interest in Petar Sucic. They are prepared to submit an offer worth between €35m and €40m (£30m and £34m) for the Inter Milan midfielder.
Inter Milan do not want to let the Croatian midfielder go. However, the club’s position could change if their valuation of €45m (£38.4m) is met.
So, there is not a world of difference between what Newcastle United are willing to pay and what Inter Milan want. Do not be surprised if a deal can be found at some point over the coming weeks.
Who is Petar Sucic?
Sucic was not a nailed-on starter for Inter Milan last season. That being said, he did get his fair share of chances. He started 21 times in Serie A and also made four starts in the Champions League, including the game against Arsenal. The Croatian international registered four goals and four assists across all competitions.
So, he has his role in the team for sure. It is easy to see why the Italian champions might not be open to the idea of letting him go unless their transfer valuation is met.
Interestingly, he is not the first Croatian international midfielder to be linked with Newcastle United in recent days. In fact, he is not even the first Sucic.
His cousin, Luka Sucic, has worked with Matthias Jaissle in the past. And it has been suggested that the Magpies might look to make a reunion happen at St James’ Park.
