Newcastle United 'turn down opportunity to sign Merih Demiral'

The 24-year-old was linked with a move to St James' Park last week, with Magpies boss Eddie Howe keen to strengthen his side's defence ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Demiral spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan with Atalanta BC from Juventus, with the former possessing the option to turn the temporary move into a permanent one for €20m (£17.2m).

After it initially appeared that Atalanta would not take up that option after failing to qualify for European football this season, the club confirmed on Friday that the permanent purchase was triggered.

Reports in Italy suggest that the defender could still be moving on this summer due to the potential of Atalanta producing a profit on any deal, but ChronicleLive are reporting that Newcastle have decided against the Turkey international in favour of alternatives elsewhere.

Following the club's Saudi-backed takeover towards the end of 2021, the Tyneside club spent around £90m on new signings in the January transfer window, helping spark a remarkable turnaround in form to see Newcastle finish 11th in the Premier League.

Lille defender Sven Botman was heavily linked with a move to St James' Park during the winter window, but Dan Burn was eventually signed from Brighton & Hove Albion instead.

Botman remains the priority this summer too, and although it is reported that Serie A champions AC Milan are the Dutchman's preference, Newcastle remain confident that they can persuade him to make the move to the Premier League instead.