Newcastle pulling off ambitions Zaniolo coup would be awful news for Shelvey

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Newcastle United are watching young Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo with designs on a transfer during the summer transfer window, according to the Chronicle.

They report that the teenager’s performances have caught the eye of the Magpies this season, most notably his two goals against Porto in the Champions League last 16.

And after Benitez finally got his man in Miguel Almiron – which has had such a transformative effect on the whole club – he has reportedly got his sights on another ambitious coup, this time for one of Europe’s rising stars.

But considering that Zaniolo operates in the middle of the park, that could be bad news for some of Benitez’s existing midfield talent.

Mo Diame’s precarious future is referenced in the report, as well as Jonjo Shelvey. The emergence of Sean Longstaff has pushed the 27-year-old to the fringes of late, although he did impress against Everton on Saturday.

But Shelvey’s maverick style has always seemed at odds with Benitez’s meticulous approach and the arrival of a wonderkid in the heart of midfield would not be good news for the former Liverpool man.

It remains to be seen whether Benitez can get his hands on Zaniolo, but if he does – and if sales need to be made to finance the deal – that would push Shelvey even closer to the exit door.