Immobile reveals he was approached by Newcastle
Lazio star Ciro Immobile has revealed he was approached by Newcastle United, which he claimed wanted to hire Massimiliano Allegri or Luciano Spalletti as manager.
Immobile is coming off a sublime individual campaign in which his 36 Serie A goals matched the competition record set by Gonzalo Higuain, who achieved the feat in the 2015-16 campaign.
The Italy striker says he is now ready to finish his career at Lazio amid the possibility of a contract extension at the club.
"I'm waiting for them to call me. I intend to tie myself to Lazio forever. What Lazio has given me and is giving me is priceless," Immobile said.
"The renewal will be three years, so the contract will expire in 2025, when I turn 35."
While Immobile has no plans to depart, he revealed there was interest in taking him to Newcastle amid a potential takeover at the Premier League club.
The Magpies were the subject of a proposed £300million purchase, led by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, but the bid was withdrawn due to what was described by the potential new owners as “an unforeseen prolonged process”.
Immobile also stated Newcastle wanted to bring in an Italian coach, with ex-Juve boss Allegri among consideration.
"During the period in which there was talk of the possible acquisition of Newcastle by a sheikh fund, they called my agent Alessandro Moggi," Immobile said.
"Then the Premier did not pass the proposal, the fund was withdrawn. I know they were also looking for an Italian coach, Allegri or Spalletti."
Meanwhile, Manchester City great Silva is to depart the Premier League club after a 10-year association upon the completion of its UEFA Champions League campaign, with reports a deal has been struck to join Lazio on a three-year deal.
Immobile commented on the prospect of linking up with the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner.
"He's a great player and has great experience, we are waiting for him with open arms," Immobile said in an extensive interview with Corriere dello Sport.
"I can't wait for him to arrive, we are Lazio fans before Lazio players."
