Report: Newcastle could have made Daniele Rugani bid overnight

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Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has claimed that Newcastle United could have made an overnight bid for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, stating that an offer will have been tabled either on Wednesday night, or Thursday morning.

Rugani, 26, is some way down the pecking order under new Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo. Merih Demiral, Leandro Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Matthijs de Ligt are all preferred at the Old Lady, leaving Rugani as the club’s fifth-choice centre-back.

The seven-time Italy international has remained on the bench for the club’s first two Serie A matches and with the deadline set to kick in on Monday, a move could be orchestrated soon. Newcastle could have made an offer since their win over Newport.

The report claims Valencia made an offer of a loan without a permanent option, a bid which Juventus have rejected. Newcastle, though, are said to have come in with a loan-to-buy deal – a deal Juve prefer. TuttoJuve say Rugani is valued at £23million.

TBR’s view – Rugani could be a huge Newcastle signing

Rugani has shown during his time at Juventus that, on his day, he has the ability to play for any club in European football. Comfortable enough on the ball to play in midfield, Rugani is the ball-playing defender Newcastle need.

Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez are more renowned for their defensive qualities, while ball-playing Fabian Schar is struggling to match his initial form under Rafa Benitez. Rugani, initially on loan, would be a superb signing.