Newcastle given 'green light' to bid for £25m winger after second summer of interest

Newcastle United have yet to make a breakthrough when it comes to bringing in a right-sided winger this summer.

Indeed, they also don't appear to be making much headway into getting shot of Miguel Almiron to make way for the new arrival either.

Eddie Howe might have thought that the urgency was not as intense as he first thought as Jacob Murphy started pre-season in inspired form, but his performance on Saturday against Yokohama FM, particularly the first 15 minutes after he was introduced, reminded everyone why we are shopping for a right-sided forward in the first place.

Miguel Almiron still remains on the books but failed on Saturday to give us any reason why he should be kept around.

Getty Images

Thiago Motta has told Federico Chiesa he is not part of Juventus' plans

A player that Newcastle have held a long-term interest in, Federico Chiesa, is officially on the market now as Juventus have given the green light for clubs to bid on the £25 million winger.

Newcastle wanted Chiesa last summer but the Italy international remained at Juventus, and there's been a similar "will they won't they?" vibe this summer.

As reported in The Shields Gazette, Juventus boss Thiago Motta has outright said that Chiesa is not part of his plans next season.

Newcastle won't be alone in their hunt for Chiesa

Speaking after Juventus' friendly with Sela Cup hopefuls Stade Brestois, Thiago Motta spoke about the players who had not made the squad.

“Chiesa and all the other players not called up for today’s game are not part of the project. We have been clear with them, they have to find new solution and new club as soon as possible. The decision has been made."

Aston Villa and Liverpool have both also shown interest in Chiesa, as will other clubs in Europe now that they know he's available.

We'll have to see how this one pans out. We get the feeling that Chiesa has been another smokescreen by the club, but now he's been put out on the doorstep of Juventus like Dino at the start of The Flintstones, we'll have to wait and see.