Newcastle United Eyeing Up Move For Mario Balotelli
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker is currently playing in Turkey but Newcastle reportedly want him back in the Premier League
Newcastle United have been linked with a lot of players in the January transfer window and now they're apparently eyeing up a move for Mario Balotelli.
Newcastle's new found wealth, thanks to their new owners, plus their need to get out of the relegation zone meant transfer rumours, and actual transfers, were inevitable this month.
So far Eddie Howe has added Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood to his team, although many more, such as Eden Hazard and Anthony Martial, have been linked with the club, both reportedly turning down offers.
One player who is apparently on their radar is Balotelli, although the Premier League club have not yet made a move to bring the Italian back to the Premier League.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker is currently playing in Turkey for Adana Demirspor and the club's president has claimed the 31-year-old is wanted in Newcastle.
"An Arab team made an offer for Balotelli yesterday. We refused," Demirspor's Murat Sancak told Turkish outlet Fanatik of another offer for the striker.
"We said, we do not intend to sell.
"Newcastle United were considering signing Balotelli, but so far they have not made us an offer.
"There is an exit clause in his contract. I will not tell you the number."
The former Inter and AC Milan striker only moved to Turkey last July and it's easy to see why the club president doesn't want to see him go.
Balotelli has scored seven goals in 18 appearances so far this season, and also got two assists, and the team currently sit fifth in the league, above Fenerbahce.
Earlier in the season the controversial striker was in typical form as he scored twice in his side's incredible comeback draw against Besiktas.
Whilst most players would have been happy enough earning a point for his team, with Britt Assombalonga getting the injury time equaliser, Balotelli also got the chance of revenge against the opposition manager, who once called him 'brainless.'
Despite signing Wood, and having Callum Wilson in their squad but injured, it wouldn't be too surprising if Eddie Howe did decide to add another forward to his side this winter.
With just 20 goals so far this season only relegation rivals Burnley and Norwich City have scored fewer goals so far in the league campaign.
They'll certainly need to score more regularly if they are to stay in the top tier at the end of the season.
Whether or not Balotelli is actually the man they look towards to help them is another question altogether.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Mario Balotelli, Newcastle United, Transfers, Premier League, Turkey, Super Lig
Ryan Sidle