Sources: Leeds race Premier League big guns to sign Lorenzo Pellegrini
Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs that could explore a move for Lorenzo Pellegrini after his Roma contract expires in the summer.
Pellegrini is a cult hero at Roma, having emerged from their youth ranks to feature over 300 times for his boyhood club over the last 11 years.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has also picked up 36 Italy caps since his debut in 2017, but could leave Serie A for the first time in his career this summer.
His contract is set to expire in June, with talks over a new deal stalling right now, and Football Insider revealed before January that Leeds United are interested in signing him soon.
Pellegrini will be in demand if he does officially leave Roma, and Newcastle are set to join the race for his services, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast.
Newcastle join Premier League sides in Lorenzo Pellegrini chase
Pellegrini has only started 12 of Roma’s 24 Serie A matches so far this season, with four goals and one assist in 23 appearances overall.
He could look to test himself in a new league after this campaign ends, with Newcastle in the market for midfielders and potentially set to make an approach for his signature.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It was an interesting one when these reports from Italy came suggesting that Newcastle were leading the chase for Pellegrini.
“He could be a smart pick-up for Newcastle, or for any club, as a free agent at the end of the season.
“He’s got great experience, had good times at Roma, and is an Italy international as well.
“I’m sure it’ll be more than just Newcastle who’ll be looking at Pellegrini as a potential free transfer target come this summer transfer window as well.
“It does seem that he is looking likely to leave Roma. Newcastle will be looking to strengthen their squad because they’ve had so many injury problems, and the depth of the squad has been severely tested.
“Whether he’ll be a prime target for Newcastle, that remains to be seen. I think maybe they might be looking at other areas of the squad that they might be looking to strengthen in.
“But there’s no doubt Pellegrini is a quality player. He’s a creative player who can add goals and assists to any team that might be looking at him.
“I think the opportunity of a move to the Premier League is something that might be of interest to Pellegrini, having been linked with a move to England in the summer.
“I think it’ll be more than just Newcastle who could be interested in Pellegrini on a free this summer.”
Newcastle could also sign Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton in the summer
Newcastle’s midfield has been a source of contention for Eddie Howe this season, with Joelinton not performing to his best and the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock struggling to make an impact as back up players.
Sandro Tonali’s future has been heavily discussed too, in the build-up to the summer window, and so the Magpies are bound to be targeting additions to the middle of the park.
Football Insider have revealed that Newcastle have joined West Ham and Crystal Palace in the race to sign Lyon star Morton, who has impressed in France since a move from Liverpool.
The 23-year-old has started 18 league games for Lyon this season, who are sat third in Ligue 1, but could soon return to the Premier League this summer.