Newcastle United have been alerted to the uncertain future of Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.
There is talk in Seria A that Vlahovic has fallen out of favour with Juventus coach Max Allegri with one of the pair tipped for the exit this summer. Having been hit by a 15 point deduction for financial irregularities, Juve face a battle to get into the Champions League next season.
In a complex situation for Juventus, Allegri finds himself under pressure on the back of last season after the Serie A giants failed to lift silverware for the first time in a decade. Although, the 55-year-old could save face by winning both the Europa League - which would get Juve back into the Champions League despite their Serie A issues - and the Coppa Italia.
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Were Allegri to lead Juventus back into the Champions League despite their points deduction he would almost certainly remain in the dugout. Vlahovic's future is less than certain and sources in Italy say he will quit Juventus after just one season if Allegri stays.
Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United are on the list of clubs that are set to be offered the ex-Fiorentina star. The Serbian striker is no stranger to the Magpies after being watching by the likes of Toon scout Mick Tait and head of recruitment Steve Nickson in the past, and United have a file on the striker who has netted 59 goals in Serie A.
The Bianconeri paid £62.8million for Vlahovic only last summer and would expect their money back at least. A £80m demand was written in one Italian newspaper last week.
Vlahovic was hooked in the narrow Europa League win over Freiburg this week in another game in which he was starved of service with Allegri sticking with a 3-5-1-1 system. Sources say that Juve are refusing to play to the 6ft 3in striker's strengths.
With Newcastle struggling to make an impact in the final third in the second half of the season, a new centre-forward is certainly on their summer shopping list. Although, his wage demands would be an acid test for Newcastle with the 23-year-old picking up over £220,000 per week.
United did not want to adjust their wage bill last summer but after a season in which they now know the gap between a side capable of a top four place to the also-rans, that is something that will come under review in the coming weeks and months.
Jacob Murphy to be rewarded for patience by Eddie Howe
The former Norwich winger is still contracted to Newcastle until 2027 but has started just five matches this season. That is something the player admitted recently that he was prepared to accept for the sake of the squad.
However, Murphy is soon to get his chance according to Howe with the season reaching crunch time. When asked about Murphy's chances of playing this week, Howe said: "He’s done very well off the bench this year. "That’s not to say that’s his sole role.
"I analyse the games to a forensic degree so I see everything that I feel I need to see. "He’s pushing to start and there’s no doubting his qualities."
Eddie Howe pays tribute to club captain Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles told Chronicle Live last week that he had not knocked on Howe's door to ask why he'd started just one Premier League match before last weekend's visit to Man City. Lascelles won man of the match despite the defeat but now faces a wait to see if he returns to the bench against Wolves.
With Fabian Schar back that could be a possibility but Howe has praised the centre-back in the build-up to the game for showing a good attitude. Howe said: "That sets a standard that no-one else can sulk or have a bad day because you have your captain who has been in that moment for the majority of the season but has acted in the best way."
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