Newcastle United linked with French striker move as defender eyes Italian return

Newcastle United will make a January move for Serie A striker M’Bala Nzola, according to reports from Italy.
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Tuttosport claim the Magpies, along with Premier League rivals West Ham United, are monitoring the Frenchman, who has impressed for lowly Spezia in their first campaign in the Italian top flight.

Nzola, 24, has scored two goals and has one assist to his name in four games.

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Meanwhile, Vicenzo Pisacane, agent of Newcastle United outcast Achraf Lazaar, believes a return to Italy is the best next step for the out of favour Moroccan.

BENEVENTO, ITALY - NOVEMBER 07: M'Bala Nzola of Spezia Calcio celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Serie A match between Benevento Calcio and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on November 07, 2020 in Benevento, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)BENEVENTO, ITALY - NOVEMBER 07: M'Bala Nzola of Spezia Calcio celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Serie A match between Benevento Calcio and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on November 07, 2020 in Benevento, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
BENEVENTO, ITALY - NOVEMBER 07: M'Bala Nzola of Spezia Calcio celebrates after scoring the 0-3 goal during the Serie A match between Benevento Calcio and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on November 07, 2020 in Benevento, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Pisacane said: “We worked to bring him back to Italy until the last day of the market. There was some interest, but it did not materialise.

“I hope to see him again in our [Italian] league. He must find continuity. He knows what were the mistakes of the past, he is a strong player.”

Lazaar was not named in the Magpies' 25-man squad.

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