Newcastle United are looking to compete with Italian giants Roma and Fiorentina for the signature of Monaco winger Lucas Ocampos. TMW report that the Magpies, who are looking to strengthen their wide options this summer, believe they have a good chance of signing the 20-year-old because they will be able to offer better financial terms than either of the Italian clubs who are interested. Sammy Ameobi is yet to sign a new contract with the Magpies and Yoan Gouffran failed to impress last season, so there could be a space out wide in the Newcastle midfield in 2014-15 - and Ocampos could be available as Monaco look to comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations. Ocampos is a 6ft 2in winger who offers pace, skill and also an impressive final ball, although he did fall out with the Monaco management last season. The former Argentina Under-17 international - Ocampos scored three goals in eight appearances at that level - started his career at River Plate where he netted seven times in 39 games after making his debut aged just 17 years, two months and five days. Named in FIFA's 13 players to watch in 2012, Monaco parted with £12 million to bring Ocampos to Ligue 1 and he has scored 10 goals in 80 league appearances since, including playing in the Champions League. However, after falling out with the management last season, he was loaned out to Marseille for the second-half of the campaign, scoring once in 12 Ligue 1 games. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
