Juventus central defender Merih Demiral has emerged as a target for Premier League side Newcastle United during the summer transfer window, according to a report.
After struggling for game time due to injury issues and competition with the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in Turin, Demiral spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan with Atalanta BC.
The Serie A outfit possess a €20m (£17.2m) option to purchase the Turkey international on a permanent deal this summer according to reports, but after Atalanta failed to qualify for European football next season, a deal is said to be unlikely.
The 24-year-old will therefore return to Juventus for pre-season in the coming weeks, but Tuttosport are reporting that the defender has been informed by the club that he does not feature in their plans.
As a result, Newcastle have been alerted to his availability according to the report, as Eddie Howe goes in search for defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The former Bournemouth boss was keen on taking Lille's Sven Botman to St James' Park back in January, but eventually had to settle for Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion instead.
However, the Magpies are said to remain interested in signing the Dutchman during the summer transfer window, although Demiral could well prove to be an alternative option.
Demiral signed for Juventus for around £16m in July 2019, having impressed in Italy with Sassuolo, but due to the reasons previously mentioned, he has only managed to appear 32 times for the Old Lady across all competitions so far.
Matthew Tranter
