Newcastle ‘contact’ AC Milan star as they chase new centre-half

Jason Soutar
Reported Newcastle target Alessio Romagnoli gets a bottle of water

Newcastle United have ‘been in touch’ with AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli, according to reports.

The Italian centre-half has been in Milan since 2015 and has made 246 appearances for the Rossoneri.

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Despite a lengthy spell with the Serie A giants, Romagnoli has not won a major trophy at the San Siro.

However, Milan are currently top of the league – three points ahead of Napoli in second – as they seek their first Scudetto title in 11 years.

Having already lost Franck Kessie on a free transfer to Barcelona, AC are also in danger of losing Romagnoli when his contract expires at the end of the season.

He has previously been linked with a move to Tottenham, with Calciomercato (via HITC) now claiming that Newcastle have made a move for the 27-year-old.

It is believed that Lazio are favourites to sign the Milan captain, who reportedly earns £106,000 per week.

Newcastle and Spurs have the potential to blow Lazio out of the water in the fight to sign Romagnoli, who has made 25 appearances this season.

He is one of many central defenders linked with a move to St James’ Park.

Having made moves for Sven Botman, Nico Schlotterbeck and Diego Carlos in January, the Geordies are expected to go back in for them again in the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are ‘interested’ in signing Bologna and Scotland youngster Aaron Hickey, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It was revealed earlier this month that multiple Premier League clubs are ‘tracking’ Hickey.

He made his debut in senior football with Hearts. He signed for Italian side Bologna in 2020 for around £1.5m.

The left-back has played 38 times for Bologna in Serie A over the past two years.

During the latest international break, the 19-year-old made his senior debut for Scotland as Steve Clarke’s side drew 1-1 against Poland.

Hickey is considered to be a ‘top talent’ and ‘other clubs are monitoring him closely. It is expected that he will cost Newcastle between £15-20m.

Newcastle United Alessio Romagnoli