Lazio defender Jordan Lukaku’s move to Newcastle falls through

Lukaku to Newcastle is off

Earlier this week it was reported that Lazio defender Jordan Lukaku was set to complete a move to Newcastle United.

Deal done @J_Lukaku94 to @NUFC on loan from @OfficialSSLazio @SkySport @SkySportsPL @SkySportNewsHD @SkySports

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 24, 2019

Lukaku has had an injury-stricken season at Lazio and when he returned, found his game time limited.

The full-back has made seven Serie A appearances this season with the longest of which only 45 minutes.

Despite this, Newcastle were still keen to add the Belgian to their squad this window.

Now, however, Newcastle have released an official statement detailing that Lukaku’s move to Newcastle is off:

“Newcastle United can confirm that Jordan Lukaku will not be joining the club. The Belgian defender was on Tyneside on Friday after being given permission to travel by his current club, SS Lazio.

“It has now been decided that a loan deal will not be pursued and the player will return to Rome. We wish Jordan all the best for the future.” As quoted by ESPN.

Rafa Benitez wants new signings

Losing out on Lukaku will no doubt have further infuriated Rafa Benitez.

The Telegraph recently published an article suggesting that Benitez will leave Newcastle in the summer if he does not get two January signings.

With less than a week remaining in the winter window, that is looking less and less likely.

Newcastle are currently 17^th in the Premier League and just one point from safety.

Their next game is against Man City, meaning they could well drop into the bottom three next week.

Related: Rafa Benitez to leave Newcastle if no signings are made- Telegraph

Newcastle ‘very close’ to deal for Roma striker Gregoire Defrel – ANSA

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