Newcastle interested in Dennis Praet

Rafa Benitez seems interested in bolstering his midfield. Newcastle has been linked to 23-year old Dennis Praet, who is currently with Sampdoria.

Every news source I have seen has reported this story on the back of a report from an Italian paper Il Secolo XIX. However, I have been unable to locate said report, so take this link with a grain of salt.

Assuming it is true though, this singing would reunite former Anderlecht teammates Chancel Mbemba and Alexsandar Mitrovic with Praet. All three of them were a part of the Pro League champion team in 2014.

The Sampdoria youngster has earned an international cap for Belgium already and seems poised to earn more as he continues to hone his offensive skills. He appeared 32 times for his Serie A squad last year. His experience should make the transition to England easy. Praet is already a solid ball-winning midfielder who uses his strength to control the pitch.

Bringing in the Belgian international makes a ton of sense for Newcastle following the disastrous start to the season against Tottenham. With Jonjo Shelvey facing a multiple game suspension, it leaves Benitez with just Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino as his first choice midfielders.

Praet would likely push Hayden to the bench or push up to take the attacking midfield spot currently held by Ayoze Perez.

Sampdoria has offered no indication if it is willing to allow Praet to leave. The Sun is estimating the asking price to be around £12.8 million. He arrived from Anderlecht for €10 million (roughly £9 million) just last summer.