Sandro Tonali is the latest subject of interest for Juventus, with the former AC Milan star wanted in a cash and swap deal for outcast Luiz.
Attacking midfielder Luiz, who joined the Bianconeri for €60 million (US$63m) from Aston Villa in the summer, was a regular goalscorer in the English Premier League. Yet he has yet to find the back of the net for Juve.
Luiz has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, with only six starts, for the Bianconeri as he slowly adjusts to life in Italy.
There were glimmers of Luiz’s silky skills in his last outing, where he played the full match as Juventus saw off PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League play-off first leg.
Head coach Thiago Motta’s side has suffered a shortage of goals, although loanee Kolo Muani bagged five in his three Serie A outings. Tonali, an Italy international, could be the answer for helping to create more goals.
Tonali has been consistently turning on the style for Newcastle United, who are in the mix to win Champions League soccer next season, since his return to the pitch. He missed 10 months because of a betting ban slapped on him by Italian soccer authorities, and has been utilised in a deeper midfielder role this season by boss Eddie Howe.
Defender Lloyd Kelly joined Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy from Newcastle during the recent transfer window, despite Howe claiming that none of his squad were for sale or on loan.
An audacious summer swap involving Luiz and part payment for Tonali could realistically materialise, regardless of Howe’s stance.
Luiz, who is being tracked by English teams including former club Aston Villa and Premier League champions Manchester City, is no stranger to Newcastle. The 26-year-old was on their radar for a move in January 2022.
A potential exit of the Brazil international for Tonali is part of the planned summer overhaul by Cristiano Giuntoli, the Juventus sporting director.
Recent transfer moves have involved the recruitment of Alberto Costa, Kelly, Muani and Renato Veiga while Arthur, Danilo and Nicolo Fagioli left.
The technical revamp, by installing Motta as manager, will be followed by more players joining, with some of the winter transfer window targets being monitored.