Valentino Lazaro is on loan from Inter Milan (Getty Images)
As per Tuttomercato (h/t The Shields Gazette), Inter Milan want Newcastle United to turn the loan move of Valentino Lazaro into a permanent one.
Lazaro, 25, came through the ranks of Grazer AK and RB Salzburg’s youth system and featured for Hertha Berlin before joining Inter Milan last summer. However, the midfielder struggled for game time with the Italian giants and was loaned out to Newcastle last January.
Since his arrival, he has been a live wire on the field for the Magpies though he hasn’t been able to make an impact. He seems to be the much-needed boost to the team in the middle of the park. He has featured in 4 games so far.
Steve Bruce’s men have endured a mixed season and have slipped to 13th position in the league table after spending the majority of the season in the top half of the standings. They have failed to carry the momentum of their short success.
The Magpies have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and Bruce had failed to bring in a permanent signing in January. They signed Nabil Bentaleb, Danny Rose and Lazaro on loan but they could be on the move at the end of the season.
Though they have a plethora of midfield talents in Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff, Matty Longstaff, Jack Colback and Matt Ritchie, the Magpies need to add depth to their squad. None of them has been able to make an impact and therefore, they should look to sign the Austrian international on a permanent basis.
The 24-year-old was in fine form last season in the Bundesliga, contributing with 3 goals and 7 assists and was a key member of the squad. He has done a decent job for the Magpies so far before the league got suspended and could be a vital cog in Newcastle’s midfield in the future.
Lazaro is predominantly a midfielder but can play anywhere on the right side of the pitch, be it on the wing or in the backline. His versatile nature of play could be a huge boost to the side and he can develop into a fine player with experience.
The Austrian, despite being just 24, has already featured in 28 games for his country and his experience at the international level could help him.
Lazaro is just 24 and it would be the right time for him to take a step further in the Premier League. He should be given enough opportunities by Bruce and he is capable of giving the manager various options to choose from. He would definitely add depth to the squad for the new season.
Therefore, the Magpies should keep hold of the former Salzburg man by making his move a permanent one in the summer.
