PIF could seal transfer bargain with NUFC swoop for "devastating" £43.2m-rated beast - opinion

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in AC Milan tank Franck Kessie…

According to la Repubblica (via MilanNews), Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool and the Magpies are all eyeing a swoop for the Ivory Coast midfielder.

The report claims that he is unlikely to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Italian giants and this could open the door for European sides to swoop at the end of the campaign as he will be a free agent.

PIF could pull off a masterclass for Newcastle in the summer if they can land Kessie whilst paying £0 in transfer fees.

He could be a sensational signing for the club, particularly on a free transfer, as he has been sublime in Italy for Milan in recent seasons.

Former Italian international Antonio Cassano previously heaped praise on the midfield machine. Speaking to BoboTV, as transcribed by Milan Live, he said:

“I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality, he has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he is intelligent.”

Cassano also dubbed him “devastating” and that is exactly what he could be for the Magpies. He has proven for Milan in the Serie A that he can be a monster at both ends of the pitch and that he can have a devastating impact on teams with his box-to-box play.

Last season, he produced 13 goals and four assists whilst also averaging 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game. This shows that he can be a big force for his side in defence and attack as he is capable of winning the ball back regularly and then can make things happen in the final third.

In the Serie A this term, he has scored five goals in 14 games and won 70 individual duels – winning 60% of his battles in the competition. He has also averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.12 as he has been able