Romano says Newcastle are front-runners to sign 21-year-old Spurs target 

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle United have shown the most serious interest in signing Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin, who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham.

Over the last few weeks, Spurs Web has brought to you all the latest reports linking Dragusin with a move to Spurs in January.

This includes an update by TuttoJuve reporter Mirko Di Natale, who claimed on November 12 that the Lilywhites are one of several clubs keeping an eye on the 21-year-old.

It has been reported since that Genoa would be willing to sell the defender for £26m in January (TMW), while the player’s agent, Florin Manea, himself admitted last week that he has met with multiple English clubs about a transfer, including Tottenham (Fanatik).

A couple of days ago Romanian outlet Digi Sport even asserted that Newcastle had launched an opening offer for the former Juventus man and that it could precipitate a bidding war between Premier League sides.

Newcastle are watching Radu Dragusin closely

Romano has now confirmed that the Magpies are indeed watching Dragusin closely but he remarked that he has not heard anything about Eddie Howe’s men opening talks with Genoa about the player.

The journalist told Kick about the centre-back: “His agent spoke about the opportunity to go to the Premier League, he mentioned many clubs. For those that don’t know him, he’s the centre-back of Genoa, one of the most talented centre-backs in Serie A, he’s doing very well.

“From what I’m hearing, the club that is really following him closely is Newcastle. Newcastle really appreciate the player, Newcastle are following him, Newcastle scouts have been in attendance multiple times this season to follow Radu Dragusin and Genoa.

“To sign a player is something different, at the moment I’m not aware of any negotiation with Newcastle or any other club but Radu Dragusin is going to be one to watch for sure in 2024, because Genoa are expected to extend his contract but the extension is going to be moved towards sell him, potentially in the summer.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect that most of the speculation over Dragusin’s future is being fed to the media by the player’s agent. It might simply be a ploy to strengthen his client’s position while negotiating a new contract with Genoa.