Report: Newcastle considering Italian manager, Roma midfielder may follow

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Italian outlet CalcioMercato have claimed that Newcastle United are interested in luring Italian manager Luciano Spalletti to Tyneside this summer – and such a move could see a current Inter Milan midfielder follow Spalletti to the north east.

Spalletti, 61, is out of work and has been since the end of the 2018-19 campaign after being replaced by Antonio Conte in the Inter Milan hotseat. He ended his stint as Inter boss after 45 wins in 90 games.

Spalletti has worked as Roma manager on two occasions, spending four seasons at the club between 2005 and 2009 – before returning for a season in 2016-17. He has also won two Russian league titles with Zenit St. Petersburg.

The report claims Newcastle are keen, but Mauricio Pochettino and Max Allegri remain first choice. However, should Newcastle make a move for Spalletti, then Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan will look to follow the Italian to St. James’ Park.

Nainggolan, 31, has been on loan at Cagliari from Inter Milan this season – having a hand in 10 goals during his 21 Serie A appearances. A big name, Nainggolan would be tempted by Newcastle given he worked under Spalletti at Roma.

TBR’s view – Is Spalletti a good option for Newcastle?

There is no doubt that Spalletti would be a decent option. The Italian boss has also shown that he can handle the pressure of a big fan base, and go to a different country and impress – having starred as Zenit manager.

But Spalletti has only worked for clubs at the top of the league in his recent managerial history. Newcastle have a way to go before they get to that stage, and that should convince Newcastle to go after Pochettino first.

Nainggolan, who was signed by Spalletti at Inter for £33.5million (Goal) after working together at Roma, has proved this season he is still at the top of his game. If his attitude is right, then he would be a top, top signing.