Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce makes 'push' for summer defender transfer – report

Newcastle United are reportedly pushing hard to sign Juventus and Romania under-21 defender Radu Dragusin.
Liam Kennedy
By Liam Kennedy
Published 12th Feb 2021, 16:45 BST
TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 09: Alessandro Di Pardo of Juventus (L) and Radu Dragusin of Juventus (R) during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Allianz Stadium on February 9, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 09: Alessandro Di Pardo of Juventus (L) and Radu Dragusin of Juventus (R) during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Allianz Stadium on February 9, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 09: Alessandro Di Pardo of Juventus (L) and Radu Dragusin of Juventus (R) during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Allianz Stadium on February 9, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Reports in Italy suggest the 19-year-old is on the Magpies’ radar, along with German outfit RB Leipzig and Serie A side Atalanta.

Calciomercato.it claim Newcastle United are a ‘concrete option’ for highly-rated Dragusin, with head coach Steve Bruce reportedly making a ‘specific request’ for the club to sign the youngster, especially with the futures of Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez up in the air.

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Both Schar and Fernandez are out of contract in the summer, but United are thought to have the option of extending the Swiss star’s deal by another year. Schar is facing a race against time to be fit for the European Championships this summer due to a knee injury suffered in the backs to the wall win over Southampton.

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It is unlikely the same clause remains in the deal of Argentine Fernandez, with the club taking up that extra year option this time last year.

Dragusin is also set to be a free transfer this summer but the report claims talks on a new deal have already begun.

Meanwhile, former Newcastle United defender Achraf Lazaar has signed a deal with Watford.

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The Moroccan international’s release from United was confirmed last week, with Rafa Benitez signing Lazaar almost immediately heading to Vicarage Road for a trial.

The Casablanca-born 29-year-old has penned a deal with the Championship club to the end of the current second tier season.

He made just nine first-team appearances for the Magpies.

Related topics:Steve BruceItalyMagpiesAchraf Lazaar