Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Davide Santon insists even the lure to team up with close pal Mario Balotelli at AC Milan would not persuade him to quit his beloved Newcastle United.

Santon was linked with a move to the San Siro last month and, while Balotelli showed the bravery to don the red-and-black stripes of the rivals of his former club Inter, the 22-year-old has stated he has no interest in joining him.

United star Santon, who has now mastered English and is beginning to develop a Geordie accent, has won back his place in the Italian squad and has eyes on playing in next summer’s World Cup.

But he feels he doesn’t have to move back to Serie A to catch the attention of Azzurri gaffer Cesare Prandelli.

Santon told the Chronicle: “At the moment this is the only place to play for me.

“There are not a lot of Italians in the Premier League, just Fabio Borini.

“The Premier League is better than Serie A and better than La Liga. The fans here are the best.

“Playing at Newcastle has also helped me get back into the Italy squad.

“My coach in Italy is happy with me and so is Mr Pardew. I will keep giving 100%”

Santon is hoping to get the nod to play against Metalist Kharkiv on Thursday night at St James’ Park with silverware still up for grabs as far as the ex-Inter ace is concerned.

After dusting himself down from the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham at the weekend, a solid first leg and convincing scoreline to take over to Ukraine next week is on Santon’s wish-list.

He said: “Now it is all about European football for us with two big games coming up.

“We think the Europa League is really important for us this year, but there is still much to play for in the Premier League too. Both competitions are important for us.

“We’re still close to the top 10 remember.

“Don’t forget our two important wins against Villa and Chelsea.

“It takes us to 27 points and the position is really tight.

“If we get three points we’re back in 10th position.”

Meanwhile, United’s last-32 opponents Metalist will train tomorrow evening at St James’ Park ahead of the first leg with the Ukrainian side basing themselves in Durham after arriving on Friday night.

:: CASH turnstiles will be in operation on Thursday night with tickets priced at £15 adults for adults and £5 concessions.

Metalist have paid for 500 fans to fly over to Newcastle to support their team in the first leg.