Sources: Newcastle told what they must do to finalise Dusan Vlahovic deal
Newcastle will need to qualify for the Champions League this season if they want to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer.
Vlahovic has made a name for himself throughout his career as a regular goalscorer in Serie A for both Fiorentina and Juventus.
The Serbia striker has bagged 64 times in 164 games over the last four years in Turin, with eight goals in 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Football Insider have previously revealed that Tottenham are interested in signing Vlahovic, with his Juve contract set to expire in the summer.
Newcastle have also been touted to move for Vlahovic, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, their chances of signing him are set to hinge on Champions League qualification.
Newcastle may need UCL qualification to enter Vlahovic race
Newcastle signed both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to compete for minutes in attack last summer, but neither player has made the position their own so far this season.
Vlahovic is set to represent real value for money in the summer, given his goalscoring record at 26-years-old, but the Magpies will likely need to offer him Champions League football to have a chance of landing him on a free transfer.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Anybody who’s needing a striker in the summer transfer window, which I’m sure there’ll be plenty of clubs, Vlahovic will be high up on those lists because he has been a proven goalscorer for Juventus over the years.
“He’s still only 26 as well, so he’s at a good age coming to the prime of his career for Newcastle. Whether they could win that race for him…that remains to be seen.
“Could they offer him Champions League football? We don’t know if that’s going to be a possibility or not, and I’m sure Vlahovic himself will be looking to play at the highest level possible.“
Man City are interested in summer move for Sandro Tonali
While Vlahovic could join Newcastle, one man who may be on his way out of St James’ Park ahead of next season is Italian midfielder Tonali.
He has been a key player for Eddie Howe for several seasons now, but his future was plunged into doubt on Deadline Day after Tonali was reportedly offered to Arsenal by his agent.
Sources have now told Football Insider that Man City are eyeing a summer move for Tonali, after Pep Guardiola was spotted in deep conversation with him following their Carabao Cup semi-final clash in midweek.
Several top clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on him ahead of a potential Tyneside departure, but Howe will know that he needs to keep hold of Tonali, given what he brings to his side each week.