Praet looks unaffordable for United

Chief Sports Writer NEWCASTLE United’s staggered financial approach in the transfer market appears to have cost them long-term target Dennis Praet.

Rafa Benitez had sent scouts to watch the former Anderlecht man in action for Sampdoria in Serie A.

But with limited funds to spend in January and a long wait until TV money is made available, Praet is expected to sign for Juventus.

Praet will cost the Italian giants €25m and the deal is expected to go through in time for next season after crunch transfer talks in Milan on Tuesday evening, according to reports.

With both Newcastle and Everton keen on the player, Juventus have swooped to activate the winger’s €25m release clause.

The deal will see Praet play at Sampdoria for the rest of the campaign but any interest from the Premier League has now been staved off.

Newcastle’s desperate January so far has resulted in them slowly pushing to sign Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Kenedy until the end of the season.

The deal is stuck at the paperwork stage with Newcastle looking to complete the formalities and Antonio Conte – occupied with his own transfer chase – yet to sign off the deal.

Benitez knows he only has limited money to spend in the window and will look to bring in at least one other loan star.