Newcastle summer target not ruling out future St. James’ Park switch

Newcastle made several moves to secure the services of Sampdoria attacking midfielder Dennis Praet during the summer transfer window, while Everton were also linked with the Belgian youngster.

Praet has revealed why neither EPL club failed to land him, but has refused to rule out a move to the English topflight in the near future.

The £22million-rated 23-year-old told Belgian paper Humo (via calciomercato): “I didn’t  want to leave. I thought something would have changed here, I thought the manager would have given me a new role.

“I love this club and the president is a special person. He has a great approach with footballers and that’s a huge difference compared to Anderlecht.

“I know Sampdoria received some offers for me but I did’t even talk with any other club as there was no agreement between them.

“I’ve never played in the Premier League but I’d be happy to go there one day. I am grateful to Sampdoria and I want to replay their trust scoring goals and making assists.”

It’s believed that Newcastle are still keen on the former Anderlecht man, and have continued scouting the Belgian international.

The Magpies are also reportedly ready to activate Praet’s release clause, and a move in January or next summer could be made.

Squad depth remains a concern for manager Rafa Benitez after just 5 new faces arrived during the last transfer window.

The attacking talents of the Sampdoria youngster continue to attract the Spaniard, and the Belgian Pro League Golden Shoe winner in 2014, who was once on the radars of Manchester United and Arsenal, seem like a fine player capable of adding creativity to the Newcastle midfield ranks.