According to CalcioMercato, Newcastle United are considering an approach for Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari in this summer's transfer window.

What's the story?

Ferrari joined Sassuolo from Crotone in the summer of 2016, but the defender has not actually made a first-team appearance for his current club.

Indeed, he returned to Crotone on loan for the 2016-17 campaign, before spending last season on loan at Sampdoria, where he made 31 appearances in all competitions.

According to CalcioMercato, Sampdoria have the option to buy Ferrari for £11.5m in this summer's transfer window, but the Italian club are currently trying to negotiate a cut-price deal, which could allow Newcastle to swoop.

[ad_pod ]

The Magpies are believed to have been impressed with the defender's performances throughout the 2017-18 campaign, although they could face competition from Fulham, who secured their spot in next season's Premier League by beating Aston Villa in the Championship playoff final last weekend.

Would Ferrari be a good signing?

The 26-year-old is yet to earn an international cap for Italy, but he was in their squad for the March friendlies against Argentina and England.

The centre-back scored twice in 31 appearances for Sampdoria last season, meanwhile, including one against the Italian champions Juventus back in November.

Sevilla are also said to be interested in a player who is contracted to Sassuolo until the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Standing at 6ft 2inches, there is no question that Ferrari has the physical presence to play in the Premier League, whilst the fact that he could be available for around £10m is a steal when considering the state of the current market.

It might well be a risky deal for Newcastle, whose supporters have been reacting to the transfer rumours surrounding Mikel Merino, but the Magpies do not have millions and millions to spend this summer, and a punt on Ferrari could well prove to be a smart move.