Newcastle United reportedly keen to seal £21million deal when business resumes post-coronavirus crisis

The Magpies signed the right-sided midfielder on loan in January, putting down around £1million to lend the Austrian international until the end of the current Premier League season.

And reports in Italy suggests United will look to make the deal permanent, with a £21.5million deal already agreed.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the belief in Milan is that Steve Bruce’s men will take up their option to purchase, despite Lazaro making just five appearances since making the switch, three of which have been starts.

Should the deal be pursued Inter stand to make a profit of around £7million on the player, who was only signed from Hertha Berlin last summer.

The Gazette understands Lazaro is keeping his options open, with the player enjoying his stay at St James’s Park but still feeling like he has unfinished business in Italy.

Speaking to the Italian media over the weekend, Lazaro hinted he would be keen on returning to play for Inter, but he would not make a decision on his future until the summer.

"Inter is amazing. A fantastic and special club. Wearing the nerazzurri shirt is a source of pride,” he said.

"It wouldn’t be fair to talk about it (the future) now.

"I am focused on Newcastle and will give everything here.

"Then next summer we’ll see what will happen."

Bruce has been impressed with Lazaro’s performances, particularly his goalscoring return to the team in the fifth round FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion, in which the winger netted his one and only goal for United in the 3-2 victory.

“I thought Tino gave us a nice balance on the right-hand side,” said United's head coach that night.

“I thought his movement and touch was good.”

Lazaro made his Newcastle debut in the 0-0 home draw with Norwich City before being handed his first start in the disastrous 4-0 away day defeat at Arsenal before seeing red in his next start at Crystal Palace.