AC

With Napoli on 22 points and Inter on 21, Roma could climb clear on 24 if they can navigate an away win at AC Milan Sunday evening.

Howe had his sights set on Malick Thiaw, but would Newcastle be able to prize the 24-year-old away from AC Milan?

"I'm not saying AC Milan are not a big club - they are - but it's a different atmosphere at Newcastle and he has the character," Winsper said.

AC Milan left the leadership door ajar when they drew with Pisa on Friday night to move onto 17 points.

Napoli had been struggling, losing two of their last three Serie A games, including a defeat at AC Milan, before suffering a 6-2 humiliation at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday.