Sampdoria are closing in on the signature of Newcastle United admired young Croatian midfielder Ante Coric in the summer.
The 20-year-old midfielder came close to joining Liverpool last year but decided to continue playing for Dinamo Zagreb, while of late it has been Newcastle who have been linked with wanting to scoop up the Croatian.
Coric has continued to develop at Dinamo Zagreb and even made his debut for Croatia last year, but it seems this could be the summer when he finally moves to one of the top European leagues.
And according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Sampdoria are in pole position to secure his signature from Dinamo Zagreb during the summer transfer window.
The Serie A club have been tracking the player for several months and there are suggestions that initial discussions have already taken place between the parties over a move in the coming months.
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Coric snubbed a move to England last year, but it seems he could be ready to finally move out of Croatia and join Sampdoria in Serie A as the next step in his career.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle, who have now secured promotion to the Premier League, look to jump into the race.
