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For the past few weeks, claims from Italy have discussed Newcastle United’s desire to sign Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners.

Earlier this month, TuttoMercatoWeb stated the Tyneside club have identified the 25-year-old and his teammate, Éderson, as targets. It was also suggested they could try signing one of them in January.

Tutto Atalanta now state Newcastle have taken a step back in their pursuit of Koopmeiners.

The Netherlands international is valued at €55m and despite initially showing interest in him, Eddie Howe’s side ‘appear to be slowing down their bid’ to sign him.

It’s claimed they are facing ‘significant obstacles’ in their desire to strengthen the midfield in January. One of them is the possibility of breaching Financial Fair Play rules and this is influencing Newcastle’s transfer business.

That doesn’t mean the English club are going to give up on the player as Tutto Atalanta suggest they could postpone their approach until next summer.

Juventus and Inter Milan are interested in Koopmeiners and with Newcastle ‘biding their time’, it could open a door for the Serie A duo to try to sign him in the winter market.

The outlet ends the report by stating Atalanta ‘certainly won’t deprive themselves of the Dutch talent easily’.

Koopmeiners has managed three goals and two assists from 15 games this season.