Newcastle 'Open Talks' With Napoli Over Potential Hirving Lozano Deal

Who's getting linked with Newcastle United today? We've already had Kylian Mbappé and Kalidou Koulibaly, and now the Magpies are said to have opened talks with Napoli over a deal for winger Hirving Lozano.

The imminent arrival of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (and all their money) has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, with Newcastle expected to embark on a huge shopping spree once their takeover goes through.

Area Napoli claim that Newcastle's focus is firmly on Naples. We've already had Koulibaly, and midfielder Allan has also been the subject of his own rumours, but the latest report suggests that Lozano is on Newcastle's radar as well.

'Simple talks' are believed to have been held to discuss the deal, and it's noted that Lozano might be open to the idea of a fresh start after a difficult debut season with Napoli.

The Mexican, who left PSV Eindhoven in a €40m deal last summer, managed just three goals and two assists in 28 appearances before football was postponed, and his struggles were partly to blame for Napoli's disappointing performances this season.

However, it seems as though Newcastle have not been deterred. They have 'exchanged information' with Napoli over a potential deal, although Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not willing to sell on the cheap.

De Laurentiis has a reputation as an infamously brutal negotiator, having demanded huge figures for some of his top stars in the past. He is believed to be demanding around £80m for Koulibaly, despite the financial limitations of a post-coronavirus world.

Nevertheless, Newcastle are still thought to be keen - while there has also been interest from West Ham United and Everton, the latter of whom are managed by the man who brought Lozano to Napoli, Carlo Ancelotti.

Adding some more flair in attack would go a long way to rejuvenating Steve Bruce's struggling attack. Record signing Joelinton has endured a torrid debut season in England, bagging just three goals in 34 appearances, while both Miguel Almirón and Allan Saint-Maximin have blown hot and cold this year.

The Magpies' tally of 25 goals scored is tied for the worst record in the Premier League with bottom side Norwich City, but their stubborn defence has helped steer them away from the relegation zone.

Before football was halted, Newcastle sat 13th in the table, but the hope is obviously to finish far higher than that once the new owners arrive at St James' Park.

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