AC Milan defender, Alessio Romagnoli has been linked to Newcastle United as the Magpies are said to be one of several teams seeking to sign the Italian, who will be available on a free in the summer. It is well known that despite the upturn in the form of Eddie Howe's defence since the arrival of Dan Burn in January, the club still want to bring in more quality in the centre of defence in order to climb the Premier League table next season.
According to reports in Italy, Romagnoli is attracting interest from several teams and if the Magpies are serious about the defender, they will have to fend off Juventus and Sevilla to attract him to St James' Park. Milan are also said to have made an offer to extend the contract of their captain, but he has yet to take them up on that offer.
For those who are unaware of Romagnoli before this story broke, Chronicle Live has the low down on the player:
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Who is he?
Romagnoli is a 27-year-old centre back. He has been captain of AC Milan since 2018, when he took on the role following Leonardo Bonucci's move to Juventus.
What has he achieved in his career?
He has won 12 caps for the Italian national team but has often had to be content with a backup role behind Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. His only trophy win came in 16/17 when he won the Italian Super Cup with Milan. He has captained Milan through a tough period, where they have been outside the Champions League places until they returned to the competition this season, following a second place finish in 20/21. He may earn a Serie winners' medal this season, as his side are currently first in the division.
Where else has he played?
The Italian has spent his whole career in Serie A. He began his career at Roma but he couldn't make a position his own there and was thus loaned to Sampdoria in 14/15. After one season there, where he played 30 times in the league, he earned the move to Milan in 15/16, where he has been ever since. He has been a regular starter since joining the Rossoneri.
What is his play-style?
Romagnoli is a classic Italian centre back. He is graceful in his movement and his defensive play is more about his positioning than making big blocks and lunging tackles. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet.
What have people said about him?
"He [Romagnoli] reminds me of [Alessandro] Nesta, but is perhaps more technically able.” - Siniša Mihajlović.
"Elegant, very technical and capable of breaking the lines." - Sandro Tovalieri.
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