Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have entered the race to sign free-agent striker Dušan Vlahović as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Magpies are closely monitoring the Serbian international’s situation after he left Juventus and believe the experienced frontman could be a statement addition at St James’ Park.
The 26-year-old has become one of the most sought-after free agents on the market after bringing the curtain down on his five-year spell in Turin, with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs now weighing up moves for the prolific centre-forward.
Newcastle are firmly in the market for another striker and believe Vlahović possesses the pedigree, experience and goalscoring instincts needed to strengthen Howe’s squad as they prepare for another campaign competing at the top end of the Premier League.
GOALSCORER
The powerful Serbian has consistently delivered throughout his time in Italian football.
During five seasons with Juventus, he scored 68 goals in 168 appearances in all competitions, including 50 goals in 123 Serie A matches.
Last season alone, he scored seven league goals in just 19 appearances despite injury setbacks, once again proving his ability to find the net at the highest level.
Before joining Juventus, Vlahović established himself as one of Europe’s hottest young strikers at Fiorentina, where he netted 49 goals in 108 Serie A appearances to earn his big-money move to Turin.
He began his senior career with Partizan in his homeland before moving to Italy as a teenager, developing into one of Europe’s most feared number nines.
Newcastle’s recruitment team have been tracking several attacking targets this summer, but SportsBoom understands Vlahović has emerged as one of the club’s leading options thanks to his availability as a free agent and his proven record in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.
Juventus have yet to enter the market for a striker to replace Vlahović following his departure, with their current focus instead appearing to be on strengthening other areas of the squad, including a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.
CALIBRE
Landing a player of his calibre without paying a transfer fee would represent a significant coup, although competition for his signature is expected to be fierce.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Serbian in recent weeks as they continue to search for further firepower despite winning the Premier League title, while Aston Villa are also understood to have expressed interest.
Several other leading European clubs are keeping a close eye on developments, meaning Newcastle know they will have to move quickly if they are to convince the striker that Tyneside is the right destination for the next chapter of his career.
Vlahović has earned 41 senior caps for Serbia and remains one of his country’s most important attacking players.
Newcastle believe his blend of physicality, aerial dominance and clinical finishing would make him ideally suited to the demands of Premier League football as Howe looks to add another proven goalscorer capable of leading the Magpies to silverware and another successful campaign in Europe.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
