Aleksandar Stankovic could be the perfect Newcastle signing despite buy-back trigger
Aleksandar Stankovic is once again linked with a big-money move to Newcastle United, and despite only just rejoining Inter Milan.
The 20-year-old midfielder signed for Club Brugge permanently last summer, but after impressing in Belgium, the Serie A giants decided to trigger their £19.9million buy-back clause.
He notched nine goals and five assists in 55 appearances, with five of his goal contributions coming in the Champions League.
Stankovic is already being seen as a replacement for the exit-bound Sandro Tonali at St James' Park, who is being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Manchester City.
The midfield maestro is yet to even reach the peak years of his career, but it is believed that Inter are ready to cash in for £34.5million this summer [ChronicleLive].
Should Eddie Howe lose Tonali in the coming weeks, there would be more than enough funds available to sign Stankovic, and the player could push for a switch to England.
Aleksandar Stankovic to escape Inter Milan legend's shadow
Now seems like the perfect time for Stankovic to move away from Italy, cutting ties with Inter Milan, and Newcastle will have a need for him in the middle of the park.
He has yet to make his senior debut at the San Siro, and all signs point towards Inter cashing in before he is able to do so, but Newcastle can take advantage of that.
The Magpies can also take advantage of the fact that Stankovic has been unable to escape his father's shadow, who made just short of 250 appearances for the Italian giants.
He played a huge role in Inter lifting five Serie A titles, four Supercoppa trophies, one Champions League title, and even won over a century of caps for the Serbian national team.
The young Stankovic's biggest challenge currently is trying not to fall behind the shadow of one of the ie biggest figures in Balkan football.
What's the latest on Sandro Tonali's future?
As previously stated, Spurs and Man United are two of the most interested teams in Tonali's signature this summer, but a deal will be anything but simple.
The Italian international's price could rise to anywhere near £100m, with a transfer battle set to begin, but it is believed no contact has been made just yet.
Roberto De Zerbi's admiration for the midfielder could make a huge impact this summer, especially given some of his previous comments about signing him.
The most recent reports would suggest, however, that the player wants to join Arsenal. Either way, the Magpies must be prepared for a transfer battle.