Newcastle were linked with Juventus and Chilean International right back Mauricio Isla last summer, when he was playing in the World Cup – and he finally ended up on loan at QPR for the season – a season in which the London club were relegated.

There is a report today on Italian web-site Tuttosport that we are again interested in the 27 year-old.

Mauricio Isla – Juventus and Chilean right-back



Isla has been playing well for hosts Chile and they have reached their first Copa America final in 28 years after beating 10 men Peru 2-1 in a great match yesterday.

Chile will now play Lionel Messi in the final – sorry we mean they will play Argentina in the final.

QPR want the Chilean to sign a permanent deal with them, but we doubt that Isla wants to play in the second division in England.

Newcastle were interested in Isla while we were looking for a right back to replace Mathieu Debuchy last summer, but of course we signed Daryl Janmaat who was an excellent signing for us for just £5M from Feyenoord.

Its not clear why we would be after Isla – always assuming the report is true.

The fee mentioned is €8M – which is around £5.5M – but we have more pressing needs than a right back, although Mauricio can also play right wing-back and also on the left side of midfield.

While at QPR last season he played 27 times for the London club, but since moving to Juventus three years ago from Udinese, he’s had trouble getting games in Turin and has made only 47 times for Juventus.

While at Udinese for five seasons he played 152 games with 7 goals and 21 assists, and Udinese seem interested in signing him.

We be surprised if Newcastle are after the 64 times capped Chilean international – unless we are going to sell Janmaat this summer.

What do you think?

Comments welcome.