Newcastle have been gifted a welcome boost in the transfer market, as AC Milan have instructed Diego Laxalt to find a new side in the current window, according to Calciomercato.
The Italian football news site understand a decision has been made at the San Siro that the 26-year-old no longer has a future with the Rossoneri after just one year at the club, having joined under Gennaro Gattuso last summer for a reported €14million (£12.5m) plus €4million (£3.5m) in various add-ons.
United, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Torino are now thought to have shown an interest in striking a deal for the former Genoa midfielder, who made 29 appearances with Milan across all competitions, assisting one goal.
It was the worst return in front of goal of the 19-cap Uruguayan’s professional career, having at least found the net once with Bologna FC 1909 and FC Empoli, despite featuring in far fewer fixtures during his loan spells away from former parent side Inter Milan.
The left-midfielder, who can also ply his trade at left-back and left-wing, is now expected to leave AC Milan on a permanent transfer, with Sporting Director Frederic Massara open to recording a financial loss on the fee agreed by his predecessor.
Calciomercato note Massara would be contempt with receiving €15million (£13.4m) for Laxalt, and that the 5 ft 8 midfielder’s representatives have been informed of the club’s decision to sell.
A potential move by Newcastle would now only face the alleged competition from Zenit and Torino, although Mike Ashley may baulk at matching the 26-year-old’s reported £51,887-a-week contract given it would make him our third-highest earner despite his struggles to meet the grade with the Rossoneri.