Newcastle 'pushing' to sign second CB alongside Sven Botman - Player could cost £17m - Report

According to Football Italia, Newcastle are now 'pushing' to sign Juventus loanee Merih Demiral.

The Turkish international spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Atalanta, who have been handed the opportunity to sign the 24-year-old for £17m.

However, it seems the Serie A side are yet to make a decision on a permanent move - they've just missed out on European qualification and have financial troubles - meaning an opportunity could arise for Newcastle.

Football Italia report that we are are admirers of the 6ft 4' defender, while Tuttosport have also released a piece on the Sassuolo star, stating we are keen to bring the big man to Tyneside.

Demiral isn't described in either piece as an alternative to Sven Botman - who is edging closer to a move to St James' Park if reports in Italy are to be believed - so it seems he could be the right-sided option and second centre-back we're looking to bring in this summer.

With doubts existing around Jamaal Lascelles' future and both Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark expected to move on, a move for an aggressive, young, right-footed centre-back could make sense.