Facundo Colidio claims he almost joined Newcastle last summer, Leeds also linked

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Facundo Colidio is enjoying a decent spell on loan at Belgian side Sint-Truiden this season from Inter Milan, but the Argentine striker has claimed in an interview with TYC Sports that he almost joined Newcastle United in the summer.

Colidio, 20, is considered a highly-rated talent within the Inter Milan academy set up – especially given he has already sat on the bench for Inter in three Serie A matches last season. Plenty of speculation was had about his future last summer.

According to FC Inter News, both Newcastle and Leeds were keen on landing the Argentina youth international in the summer. The report also claimed that the forward could set either club back a whopping £10million.

However, Colidio moved to Belgium this summer, on loan to Saint-Truiden. Since joining the top-flight side, he has scored only once in 13 games – but the Argentine has laid on a whopping seven assists. Colidio stated he almost joined Newcastle.

Asked about Newcastle’s interest, he said:  “It is real. It was very close, but it did not end up happening because between the clubs – they could not agree. And when the deadline came about in England, a move could not happen.”

TBR’s view – Colidio would have been a waste of money

Though he has laid on a number of assists, just one goal in 13 assists for Sint-Truiden in the Belgian league is simply not good enough – certainly not the standard that is required in the Premier League.

Under fellow countryman Marcelo Bielsa, he might have had more of an impact at Leeds in the Championship – but he certainly would not have started over Patrick Bamford. Leeds and Newcastle will be delighted they kept £10million in their pocket.