Serie A midfielder issues Twitter response to reported Newcastle interest
By Matt Farr
Torino midfielder Afriyie Acquah has poured cold water on reports linking him with a summer move to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old took to his personal Twitter account on Tuesday to reiterate his commitment to his current club, and deny he was on the verge of completing a move to Newcastle.
He said: “Reports that I claimed a ’90 per cent done deal’ to @NUFC completely FALSE 100% committed to @TorinoFC_1906.”
Acquah’s social media message was accompanied by a video where was seen telling GhanaWeb TV that there was a ’90 per cent chance’ of him moving to England, but the player insists the reports are false.
GhanaSoccer.net had also claimed last month that Premier League new boys Newcastle were prepared to rival Italian giants Juventus for the midfielder’s signature this summer.
It is believed that Magpies chief Rafa Benitez had desired to bring Acquah into his midfield ranks a year ago, but the Spaniard still remains keen to meet his £8million price-tag.
A combative midfielder, the 28-time Ghana international scored two goals from 22 appearances in all competitions last season.
He is under contract with the Italian club until the end of the 2018-19 season, and his latest revelation suggests that he will be seeing-out at least another year of his current deal.
Football Insider verdict
Since Newcastle were reportedly interested in Acquah a year ago, the club have allowed two similar midfield players to depart the club – Cheick Tiote and Vurnon Anita. A midfielder of similar capabilities will be required this summer and Acquah fits the bill, and for a reasonable price. Newcastle also find themselves preparing for a Premier League campaign instead of a Championship one, and Acquah’s regular appearances in top-flight competition throughout his career indicates he is ready to make that jump. But it does not look likely that a deal can be achieved this summer. His comments did, however, leave the door open to a possible move in future, and if he is still available for under £10million, Newcastle should consider a deal.
In other Newcastle transfer news, one of the club’s top summer transfer targets has reportedly agreed a move to a Premier League.
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