£25m defender now set to sign 'long-term' deal with club to ward off Newcastle - Fabrizio Romano

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Newcastle United target Radu Dragusin will sign a new deal with Genoa.

Radu Dragusin is a name that keeps popping up as a potential defensive recruitment for Newcastle in January.

The 21-year-old Romanian has been in superb form for Genoa and is starting to attract attention from around Europe with Newcastle, Tottenham and Arsenal keen on the centre-back along with AC Milan.

Genoa are trying to tie Radu Dragusin to a long-term deal

However, his admirers may be out of luck as Fabrizio Romano says he's expecting Dragusin to sign a long-term deal with Genoa.

The post on X by the Spanish journo states that Newcastle had recently sent scouts to cast their eye on Dragusin and that Genoa want to keep hold of him until at least the summer.

"Albert Gudmunsson and Radu Dragusin will both sign new long term deals at Genoa.

"NUFC scouts recently in attendance to follow Dragusin as potential future CB target but Genoa want to keep both of them at least until June 2024."

Newcastle were preparing a £25million bid for Dragusin

It seems then, that the idea of a long-term contract extension is merely to drive up their asking price rather than an attempt to keep him, with Newcastle reportedly planning a £25million bid.

Newcastle could still get in before Dragusin signs a new deal, and if he's keen on the move then it could force Genoa's hand. Time will tell on this one.