Valentino Lazaro 'Open' to Making Newcastle Switch Permanent But Danny Rose Future Uncertain
Inter loanee Valentino Lazaro is said to be open to a permanent switch to Newcastle at the end of his temporary spell on Tyneside.
The versatile wide man - who made a name for himself after a stellar campaign last time out with Hertha Berlin - struggled to impress Antonio Conte at Inter in a right wing-back role following his £20m summer arrival.
In January, the Magpies opted to bolster their right flank by taking Lazaro on loan, and he's endured a rollercoaster start to life in England; being shown a red card in the Premier League clash at Crystal Palace, before scoring his first Newcastle goal in the FA Cup against West Brom.
Nevertheless, with his talent clear, there's little doubting that Steve Bruce will be interested in adding the 24-year-old to his squad on a permanent basis, while the Shields Gazette reports sources close to the player have said that Lazaro is 'open' to a potential long-term deal but won't be making any decisions for the time being.
However, speaking to the Italian media over the weekend, Lazaro hinted he'd also be keen on a return to the Nerazzurri: "Inter is amazing. A fantastic and special club. Wearing the Nerazzurri shirt is a source of pride,” he said.
"It wouldn’t be fair to talk about it (the future) now. I am focused on Newcastle and will give everything here.
"Then next summer we’ll see what will happen."
The future of another January loan signing, Danny Rose, however, is a little more up in the air.
The Northern Echo believes Tottenham won't stand in the way of Newcastle securing the permanent signing of the 29-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether the Magpies would be interested in this type of deal.
Bruce, however, is said to be keen on getting a deal brokered, and the player’s salary is not thought to be an issue - the length of contract due to his age might be, though.
Newcastle could instead opt to pursue Jetro Willems in the summer - who had an 'option to buy' clause placed in his loan contract at St. James' Park.
The Dutchman impressed before he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Chelsea in January and may well prove a cheaper alternative to Rose.