Newcastle United takeover & transfer news: French midfielder interest rekindled plus Italy international on Magpies' radar

CAGLIARI, ITALY - JULY 29: Daniele Rugani of Juventus warms up prior the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Juventus at Sardegna Arena on July 29, 2020 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

The former Empoli centre-half is on the fringes of Andrea Pirlo’s Juve squad this season and could be allowed to leave, according to reports in Italy.

Gianlucadimarzio.com claim: “Rugani and Khedira are also on the fringes of the Juventus squad. For the former, there is a strong interest from the Premier League, as Newcastle and West Ham.”

United are known to be on the lookout for another central defender with doubts about the depth in that department underlined by the need to play Emil Krafth in the middle in the Carabao Cup.

Rugani, 26, is a seven-capped Italy international.

Meanwhile, French side Nice have reportedly dropped their asking price for Newcastle United target Wylan Cyprien.

According to L’Equipe, the midfielder is now thought to be available for around £9 million, which they claim has alerted Newcastle United in the final weeks of the window.