Loan-to-buy agreement for Juventus defender Rogerio could help Newcastle avoid another Achraf Lazaar situation

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Newcastle United are desperately searching for a new left-back towards the end of the January window after a loan deal for Jordan Lukaku fell through.

Various media outlets (such as Sky Sports News) reported that Lukaku was set for a loan move to Newcastle but that collapsed.

Newcastle could instead swoop for Antonio Barreca of Monaco or PSG youngster Stanley Nsoki, as per Sky Sports News.

But a new target has emerged: Juventus starlet Rogerio. According to The Mirror’s Live Blog via HITC Sport, Newcastle and Wolves will go head-to-head for Rogerio.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Sassuolo but Juventus are willing to recall him to sanction a move elsewhere.

Rogerio is valued at £12m by Juve, but Newcastle must try to negotiation a loan-to-buy transfer agreement instead of an immediate purchase.

Although left-back is a problem position, spending £12m on a youngster with limited first-team experience is a risk.

The Brazil under-20 defender has played 21 times for Sassuolo on loan this season but has never featured for Juventus.

Last time Newcastle dipped into the Italian market to buy a new left-back, they ended up with Achraaf Lazaar.

The Morocco international was highly rated when he arrived on Tyneside but his time at Newcastle has been a disaster.

With just 10 appearances in all competitions since his 2016 arrival – including none this season – the 27-year-old has been a waste of money for the Magpies.

Newcastle will be eager to avoid a repeat of the Lazaar situation with Rogerio and a loan-to-buy would be a good chance to test him before spending £12m on the youngster.