Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth will no doubt already have one eye on the summer transfer window, with the Englishman hoping to provide Magpies boss Eddie Howe with the tools to continue the club’s remarkable resurgence.
The Tynesiders only recently bolstered their ranks with the signings of Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby during the January window, although Howe has admitted his squad is still somewhat light in certain departments.
One position that could well be a priority is central midfield, with reports emerging late last week that the northeast side are interested in a move for Lazio sensation, Sergej Milinković-Savić.
What’s the latest on Milinković-Savić to Newcastle?
According to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sierra (via Sports Witness), the St James’ Park outfit, as well as Premier League rival Arsenal, could potentially offer an ’emergency solution’ for the 27-year-old, with the Serbian international having just under 18 months left to run on his current deal.
The report does suggest that the Serie A side remain ‘confident’ that they can secure an extension for the 6 foot 4 machine in the near future, although there will likely be a fear of potentially losing such a key figure on a free transfer in 2024.
Has Milinkovic-Savic been compared to De Bruyne?
While Milinković-Savić is yet to enjoy a taste of life in English football, the suggestion is that he could well be able to make a stellar impact were he to join Howe’s side this summer, having previously earned comparisons to Manchester City talisman, Kevin De Bruyne.
That likeness has come about as a result of the pair’s ability to make a telling impact in the final third from their advanced midfield berths, with the Lazio ace having scored six goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season, while De Bruyne has three goals and 17 assists across all fronts so far this term.
The latter man – who currently tops the Premier League for big chances created this season (20) – notably ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for total shots, assists and non-penalty goals, with Milinkovic-Savic ranking in at least the top 6% in those same three metrics, respectively.
The duo’s creativity is also showcased by the fact that the experienced Belgian ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes received, with Milinkovic-Savic only just behind in that metric as he ranks in the top 7% in the regard.
It is no doubt huge praised to be compared to such a reliable and devastating presence like De Bruyne, with the 31-year-old – who boasts 89 goals and 138 assists in 335 games for City to date – having been described as the “best player in the Premier League for the past four or five years” by Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Carragher.
If they are to sign their own version of the former Chelsea ace with the addition of Milinkovic-Savic, Ashworth and co would be landing a “special” talent – as described by Forbes’ Adam Rigby – who is something of a playmaking “monster“, according to journalist Carlo Garganese.
It may not prove easy to win the race for the towering menace’s signature, although it is a mouthwatering prospect as to the impact he could make in Howe’s side.
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