‘Good in transition’, ‘mobile, brings protection’: Reported Newcastle target hailed by Brazil boss

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Newcastle United are said to be interested in bringing Brazil midfielder Allan to St James’ Park this summer, according to a report by Area Napoli.

The Italian outlet claims that the Magpies – on the verge of a takeover – are willing to meet the Serie A side’s £35million asking price for the 29-year-old.

Allan has been widely tipped to leave Napoli this summer following a disagreement with head coach Gennaro Gattuso and a player of his calibre is likely to be sought after by many clubs.

Atletico Madrid are reported to have offered £22million for the Selecao man, but the offer is said to be far below Aurelio De Laurentiis’ asking price.

However, Newcastle are seemingly prepared to meet Allan’s £35million valuation as the prospective new owners continue to plan ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Allan joined Napoli from Udinese in the summer of 2015 for a reported £10.4million fee and has clocked up 203 appearances in all competitions for the Stadio San Paolo side.

The midfield enforcer has also been capped eight times by Brazil, whose debut against Uruguay in November 2018 was praised by Selecao head coach Tite.

“He deserved it, we had been monitoring him for a long time,” Tite told Goal.com about Allan’s overdue debut.

“Allan is good in transition, going box to box, leading counterattacks and breaks. He’s mobile and brings protection defensively.”

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Allan is a high-calibre player who would add a combative streak to Newcastle’s midfield, and his all-action performances would surely go down a treat with the passionate Toon Army.

He has kept the likes of Neymar and Mohamed Salah at bay in the past, and given his future at Napoli is uncertain, he could do with a fresh start elsewhere.

Everton are also said to be keen on Allan, a player who Toffees head coach Carlo Ancelotti is fond of.

However, given Newcastle could soon have major financial muscle, the Goodison Park side should expect major competition for the Brazilian’s services.