Celik and Roma at contract stand-off in massive transfer boost to Newcastle | OneFootball

Newcastle United have been handed a massive boost in their bid to sign AS Roma right back Zeki Celik.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Turkish defender is in a contract stand-off with Roma, who have refused to meet his wage demands.

The Magpies have been monitoring Celik’s situation closely ahead of the summer transfer window, where they’ll be looking to bolster their options at right back.

Kieran Trippier will likely leave the club when his contract runs out this summer.

The 35-year-old has been a faithful servant for Newcastle since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2022, but they are unlikely to hand him a new contract.

Trippier’s potential exit will leave Valentino Livramento as Newcastle’s only right-back option, but even his future is also in doubt.

Livramento has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but is still highly rated.

His performances when he’s fit have caught the eye of title challengers Arsenal and Manchester City, who are rumoured to be preparing a summer move.

While Newcastle will be reluctant to part ways with Livramento, bringing in Celik on a free transfer could help soften the blow.

Their chances of doing that are significantly improved by Roma’s reluctance to meet Celik’s demands.

The 29-year-old is demanding €4 million per season to extend his stay in Rome, but the club are only offering around €2.4m.

Neither side has shown signs of compromising to get a deal done, which plays into Newcastle’s hands.

The Magpies wouldn’t struggle to meet his demands, and bringing a player of Celik’s quality to St James’ Park on a free would allow the club to channel funds towards other areas in the squad.

Unfortunately for Roma, Celik has established himself as a key player under Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been pushing for the club to ensure he remains in the Italian capital beyond this summer.