Newcastle United can boost Steve Bruce’s attacking threat with the capture of Inter Milan prospect Facundo Colidio.
The former Argentina Under 20 international emerged as a potential target for the Magpies heading toward Thursday’s Deadline Day, after FC Inter News claimed Toon chiefs were due in Milan on Friday to meet Nerazzurri executives to discuss a potential deal.
Inter have not yet ruled out the potential of selling their promising youth prospect, who moved to the San Siro two years ago from Argentinean side Boca Juniors for an alleged €6million (£5.4m).
The Nerazzurri would be looking to turn a profit on the versatile 5 ft 8 centre-forward, however, as FC Inter News understand Antonio Conte’s side are looking to make between €8m and €10million (£7.3m and £9.1m) from his potential sale.
Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United are interested in signing Colidio, as well, with Whites owner Andrea Radrizzani also believed to have travelled to Italy on Friday to put forward his side as a willing bidder.
United stand an advantage in our pursuit over the Elland Road outfit if negotiations with Inter prove beneficial, as Toon chiefs would be expected to use the allure of Premier League football as a bonus to a future on Tyneside.
Leeds, on the other hand, would be offering Colidio a spot on Marcelo Bielsa’s bench in West Yorkshire, who is allegedly a big admirer of the 19-year-old.
Newcastle acquiring the Rafaela-born hitman could see the club boost Bruce’s attacking numbers with a young striker perfect for the criteria often looked for by Mike Ashley.
At 19, he has years ahead of him to further develop and improve his market value, and first-team football could be on hand with Bruce looking to follow Joelinton’s arrival with additional attacking threats.
While Colidio has not yet made his first-team Inter debut, he proved a consistent threat for their junior ranks last season, with twelve goals in 31 games, including five in five UEFA Youth League ties that saw the teenager net once against FC Barcelona and twice against Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Boca product also featured on the left-wing for the Nerazzurri’s junior side five times in their 2018/19 campaign, which is another area Bruce may be able to deploy him in.
Although, it has not been noted if the Argentine forward is in possession of a European passport, which may be needed in a bid to obtain a UK work permit.