Report: AC Milan want another Newcastle star, after Fabian Schar link

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Italian outlet CalcioMercato have claimed that AC Milan are now interested in a second Newcastle United player, this time in the form of Argentine defender Federico Fernandez.

The same outlet claimed earlier this week that Milan had identified Fabian Schar as a top target this summer, with Paolo Maldini looking to reshape his side’s defence since being appointed technical director at the club.

It is believed Milan reckon they can raid Newcastle and sign Schar for a bargain £13.5million, after the Switzerland international starred in his first season at St. James’ Park – since joining for just £3.5million from Deportivo.

Now, Milan want another Newcastle star and this time it is Fernandez. The former Swansea City star only signed a two-year deal when he joined the Toon last summer, a move which cost Newcastle £6million (ESPN).

Maldini wants players in the final 12 months of their contract with Milan struggling to meet Financial Fairplay, and Fernandez has cropped up on a shortlist that also contains Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and West Ham’s Javier Hernandez.

TBR’s view – Fernandez is expendable, but Newcastle need Schar

Schar showed last season that he is arguably the club’s best defender, more so than captain Jamaal Lascelles. But Fernandez only managed 23 appearances last season.

A 32-time Argentina international, Fernandez is certainly capable of playing at the highest level but now 30 years of age, he could be beginning to decline.

It may be the right time to offload Fernandez to AC Milan and bring in some cash for his services, rather than lose him next summer for nothing.