Newcastle United target hands in transfer request after branding manager 'disrespectful' following penalty miss

Newcastle United have been looking into the idea of bringing 27-year-old forward Ademola Lookman back to the Premier League this summer.

Ademola Lookman is currently at Atalanta in Italy's Serie A, but after a public disagreement with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, other clubs, including Newcastle, have been keen to exploit the fallout.

Having had spells at Everton, Leicester and Fulham, Lookman has plenty of Premier League experience, but it has been during his time in Italy where he has really started to shine.

But one penalty miss unravelled all of his hard work with Gasperini saying he is one of the 'worst penalty takers' he'd ever seen.

Getty Images

Ademola Lookman fought back after being called out by his manager

Naturally, this didn't go down well with Lookman who took to social media to defend himself.

"Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo."

It's now being reported by The Chronicle that Lookman has handed in a transfer request and Newcastle could be eyeing a move for the versatile forward who has 13 goals in Serie A this season.

Ademola Lookman has told Atalanta fans he will leave in the summer

The Magpies have sent scouts to watch over Lookman several times and were told that a bid of £42 million could be enough to take him back to England.

Manchester United and Juventus have also scouted Lookman who will now be hoping that someone follows through on their interest to get him away from Atalanta.

Lookman is under contract until 2026 but has signalled his intentions to leave this summer.

If we can negotiate a price drop from £42 million then it could be a decent move for Newcastle, but his signing isn't going to excite many fans who only remember him from his Premier League spells. However, it's worth noting that Lookman has a Ballon d'Or nomination to his name.