Report: Newcastle open talks to sign £13m star, but player wants Madrid move

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CalcioMercato report that Newcastle have begun talks with Juventus to sign French midfielder Adrien Rabiot – but that he wants to join Real Madrid.

Rabiot, 26, has been a regular for Juventus since joining the club on a free transfer from PSG in 2019. Since then, he has played 95 times for Juve.

But he has never really warmed himself to the club’s support – with Juve going through a transition period. His future is now in doubt.

That is, largely down to Rabiot entering the last 18 months of his contract at The Old Lady. A recent report says Juventus want just £13million for Rabiot.

Newcastle had been linked, and now, the new report from CM says Eddie Howe’s side have opened talks to get Rabiot. But they have competition.

Indeed, the report says Newcastle will have to elbow Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti aside. That is, because Rabiot wants to move to the Bernabeu.

Should Newcastle bring in Rabiot ahead of Madrid – can they?

Newcastle do need a midfielder. Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Jeff Hendrick and Joe Willock are the current options.

While they present a mixture of qualities that are Premier League level, none boast the passing ability of Rabiot. Even Shelvey.

Rabiot also has the combination of aerial ability, footballing intelligence and strength in the air at 6ft 4in. If Newcastle can, they must sign him.

But the player’s ambition is likely to be above Newcastle at this moment in time – with his sights on Madrid. It might take a big contract to get him.