Juventus ready to help end Newcastle’s striker transfer hell – but there’s a huge catch

Newcastle are scouring the transfer market for a striker who can replace Liverpool target Alexander Isak and were closing in on Benjamin Sesko before Manchester United swooped in

Newcastle have been handed the chance to end their hellish striker conundrum by signing Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. But the Italian giants want something in exchange: star midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The Magpies are looking for a new striker after Alexander Isak told St James’ Park chiefs that he wants to leave ahead of their pre-season tour. Last week, Newcastle rejected a £120million bid from Liverpool but the Premier League champions are expected to table a second offer.

Benjamin Sesko was identified as the ideal replacement but he’s snubbed Newcastle in favour of a £74m move to Manchester United. That’s forced them go down their shortlist, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson understood to be a serious target for Howe.

But now Vlahovic has emerged an option. Gazzaetta dello Sport report that Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign the Serbian through intermediaries – with a huge catch.

Juventus are dreaming of signing Tonali, with manager Igor Tudor and club chief Giorgio Chiellini in agreement that he’s the right man to solve their issues in midfield. The problem is that Newcastle consider the 25-year-old, who’s happy in the north east, unsellable, so Juve have come up with an ambitious proposal.

READ MORE: Arne Slot gives Alexander Isak response and hints Liverpool transfer is nearly completeREAD MORE: Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak U-turn after Liverpool interest and transfer blows

In exchange for Tonali, the Italian giants would offer a cash sum plus Vlahovic and one of midfielder Douglas Luiz or right-back Nicolo Savona. Given the unlikelihood of Newcastle agreeing to such an outlandish deal, Juventus have identified a number alternatives, with Luiz up for sale like Vlahovic.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Dane Morten Hjulmand, Matt O’Riley of Brighton, Al-Ahli’s Franck Kessie, Sofyan Amrabat of Fenerbahce and Roma’s Bryan Cristante have been shortlisted as an alternatives. Newcastle would also have to asses whether Vlahovic, 25, was a sufficient replacement for Isak.

The former Fiorentina hitman has been deemed surplus to requirements in Turin after failing to score 20 goals in any of his three full seasons with the Bianconeri. Vlahovic only scored 10 Serie A goals last term, hardly fitting of the £66.6m which Juve paid to sign him in January 2022.

Should Newcastle swap Sandro Tonali for cash and two Juventus players? Have your say in the comments section.

The Serbia international has been linked with a move to AC Milan, who are managed by ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri. Vlahovic has the physical presence to step into Isak’s shoes but even with Luiz or Savona to boot, allowing Tonali to leave would be a huge gamble.

Newcastle won’t be short of change if Isak leaves, too, demanding a British record fee. Juventus might have to get more creative if they want to bring Tonali back to Italy.

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