Santon is linked with Toon return
FORMER Newcastle United leftback Davide Santon has been linked with a return to St James’ Park next season.
Reports in Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb claim that Santon has had contact from the Magpies about leaving Inter Milan at the end of the campaign.
The Italian international left Tyneside in January 2015 shortly after Alan Pardew quit Newcastle for Crystal Palace.
His move was initially a loan deal but it was made permanent later that summer.
Santon was linked again with Newcastle in 2016 when the club required left-back cover in January during the Steve McClaren era.
Since then he has made 37 appearances for Inter, but his last appearance came in January in a 3-0 win over Pescara.
He has not played since for Inter boss Stefano Pioli, who has not selected him for tactical reasons.
Benitez is looking for another left-back for next season, but Santon is unlikely to be first choice for the ex-Liverpool boss.
Santon’s exit in 2015 from Newcastle resulted in a public row with John Carver.
The ex-head coach has claimed Santon wasn’t prepared to fight for his place, with Santon responding: “I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the comments made recently by John Carver about my move to Inter Milan.
“I want to say that I never thought for one moment, having been out injured for eight months, that I would immediately play again as a regular at Newcastle United.
“During the time I was injured, I worked hard to get back to full fitness as soon as possible.
“I have always struggled to carve out a space for myself and I know that it will be the same until the end of my career. I therefore would never refuse to fight for my place in any team.
“I spent three and a half wonderful years in Newcastle, a great club with fantastic fans who have always supported me and showed me their affection. This is why I will never forget them and they’ll always be in my heart.
“Finally I would like to thank all my team-mates and the staff with whom I shared a wonderful experience at Newcastle United.”
Santon has one year left on his current deal at Inter Milan.
But Pioli will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.