Report: Newcastle and Tottenham considering Juventus defender

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Italian website CalcioMercato have claimed that both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have carried out ‘more than a survey’ in pursuit of Juventus teenager Radu Dragusin – but Julian Nagelsmann leads the way.

Dragusin, 18, has already played three times for Juventus under Andrea Pirlo – coming on as a sub in the Champions League and in Serie A, before playing 120 minutes in an extra-time win over Genoa in the Coppa Italia.

But the two-time Romania Under-21 international has entered the final six months of his Juventus contract and clubs are interested. Non-Italian sides can sign Dragusin under the Bosman ruling on a pre-contract arrangement.

The report claims Juve are still confident he will sign a new deal with Pirlo’s side – but Nagelsmann and Leipzig have tabled an offer while Newcastle and Spurs are interested. The report states that ‘anything can happen’.

Pirlo was recently quoted by Black & White & Read all over as saying: “He’s physically very strong. He’s very young and must develop on a technical level, but he will have time to do it, training every day with great champions.”

TBR’s view – Dragusin has enormous potential

But which club suits him best? Clearly, Juve are ready to offer him game time and staying with the Italian champions could see him break into the senior side – though Juve are renowned for their talent at the heart of their defence.

Matthijs de Ligt, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Merih Demiral, for example. Spurs signed Joe Rodon last summer but are still on the lookout for a centre-back, but one that can make an immediate impact.

Newcastle is probably seen as below Dragusin – though he would probably get more game time. But clearly, the best move is Leipzig where Nagelsmann’s side pride themselves on bringing through young talent.