Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after TuttoMercatoWEB claimed on-loan AS Roma striker Nikola Kalinic has rejected a January move to St. James’ Park.
Kalinic joined Roma on a one-season deal from parent side Atletico Madrid at the end of the summer market, but has severely struggled to establish himself at the Stadio Olimpico under Paulo Fonseca with just five Serie A appearances thus far.
Of those outings, only one has been in the starting line-up, and that came back on October 20 during a goalless draw with UC Sampdoria that would see Kalinic hauled off at half time.
The 41-cap Croatia international’s situation in the Italian capital was said to have led Roma Sporting Director Gianluca Petrachi to have begun searching for another centre-forward to support Edin Dzeko this season, but first has to move Kalinic on.
Petrachi’s predicament led to speculation that Kalinic had been offered to Newcastle, following murmurs of interest from Verona and Genoa in the former Blackburn Rovers man.
TMW, however, have poured cold on the chances of Kalinic moving back to England after a ten-and-a-half-year hiatus, as they understand the 32-year-old has rejected the chance to join our Premier League campaign, as well as turning down moves to Verona and Genoa.
Would you have welcomed Kalinic to St. James' Park?
Yes
No
But there are very few Magpies supporters who see this negatively, it would seem, as many have reacted by celebrating the fact that a striker who has struggled to score goals will not be joining a four-man offence, which currently boasts just two goals between them in all competitions this season.
Kalinic is yet to score for Roma in any competition, and only hit four in 24 appearances with Atletico Madrid last term.
Here are some of the messages shared, including some sarcastic responses from fans joking that Kalinic has turned down the chance to join the illustrious list of Toon centre-forwards which includes Seydou Doumbia and Luuk de Jong…
Good he’s not scored a goal this season
— Peter kitching NUFC (@pkitchingNUFC) January 5, 2020
He must be mad,why not come and improve his game under the tactics of Bruce,and come to a club with an ambitious owner?
— MSW (@Toonattics) January 5, 2020
Absolutely gutted. Don’t know how I’m going to sleep at night. Ive wanted him on loan ever since he tore up the PL with Blackburn. He could have joined the greats like Doumbia and Luuk de Jong.
— Cameron Warwicker (@CameronWarw) January 5, 2020
Im actually happy that he did dont want another joelinton
— TheGucciHeadBand (@jakecuz123) January 5, 2020
Smart man
— Cory Jay Graham (@Coryjgraham) January 5, 2020
I don’t blame him!
— Paul C (@geordiepaulc) January 5, 2020
He’s poor anyways. We want players that want to play for the club
— Callum Irving (@NUFCIrving1010) January 5, 2020
The Croatian joselu………….bothered 🤷🏻♂️
— Robbo🏃🗑 (@JOHNROB79) January 5, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, a £2.7m-rated Magpies man has been linked with a January move away.