Report: Newcastle were prepared to pay up to £21 million for Rogerio in January

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Newcastle United were reportedly ready to pay up to £21 million to sign Juventus player Rogerio in January.

Tuttosport claim the Magpies had been eyeing a move for the Brazilian (via Chronicle Live, 19.14pm), who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sassuolo.

Aged just 21, Rogerio more than fits owner Mike Ashley’s age policy.

A move never materialised though, and he could now be used in any swoop the Old Lady make for Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt. Nicolas Tagliafico could also leave the Amsterdm club.

Rogerio is yet to make his debut for the Juventus first-team, having made 22 appearances for their Primavera side.

For Sassuolo though, he has now chalked up 41 appearances having been a regular in the side.

TBR’s view

It is hard to believe that Newcastle were actually prepared to splash up to £21 million on someone who hasn’t yet made a first-team appearance for their parent club.

As it were though Newcastle never acted on their interest (reported by The Mirror, 28 January print edition, page 45), instead splashing a similar amount to sign Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United.

Left-back is an area Rafa Benitez wants to strengthen, so perhaps the club may go back in for him in the summer.

It seems unlikely that Antonio Barreca, the January loan signing who joined as a Jordan Lukaku alternative, will make his move to St. James’ Park after making just one appearance for the club so far.