As per Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX, Newcastle are interested in securing the signature of Sampdoria attacking midfielder Dennis Praet.
The Toons have even gone a step further by tabling a bid for the £13million-rated Belgium international.
Praet only just arrived the Serie A last summer from Anderlecht, but he has already established himself in Sampdoria’s XI, making 32 league appearances at the end of the campaign.
Having helped his former side to back-to-back league and Super Cup thrice, Praet was adjudged the best player in the Belgian Pro League in 2014, winning the Golden Shoe in the process.
Arsenal and Manchester United once kept tabs on the midfield playmaking sensation who has been unsurprisingly likened to Eden Hazard and Wesley Sneijder.
Newcastle will be getting their hands on a unique youngster should they successfully convince Sampdoria into selling one of its most prized assets.
Given that survival is ultimate for manager Rafa Benitez, shoring up the middle of the park is more than necessary.
In Dennis Praet, Newcastle won’t only be landing one of Belgium’s brightest talents, he might turn out to be one of the keys to their Premier League survival this season.