Sassuolo defender Rogerio attracting interest from Newcastle and Dortmund

Sassuolo defender Rogerio is attracting interest from European duo Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, according to Calciomercato.

The 25-year-old was a regular for the Neroverdi last season, notching four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions as Alessio Dionisi’s side finished in the bottom half of the table.

While his paltry goal contributions may not be easy on the eye, his underlying statistics have been quite impressive.

The marauding full-back created three big chances while winning 60% of his ground duels and completing 68% of his attempted dribbles.

The Brazilian joined Sassuolo’s youth team in 2016 and had loan stints with Juventus at youth level before joining the senior squad.

He rejoined Sassuolo in 2019 and established himself as one of the finest left-backs in the Italian top flight.

Rogerio has 12 months left on his current deal. With no signs of pledging his allegiance to the Neroverdi anytime soon, Sassuolo may be forced to cash in this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Newcastle and Dortmund are set to go head-to-head for his signature, with the Magpies returning to the negotiating table after failing to land the Brazilian in the January transfer window.

Eddie Howe wants to reinforce his defence and add depth to his squad after qualifying for the Champions League, and Rogerio will provide a more athletic option to Dan Burn on the left side of the back four.

Dortmund are also in the mix after losing Raphael Guerreiro on a free transfer, with the Portugal international on the cusp of joining arch-rivals and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Ramy Basenbaini will join Edin Terzic’s side on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, but the Bundesliga runners-up are looking for more recruits.

Newcastle and Dortmund are not the only clubs monitoring Rogerio’s situation at Sassuolo, but they are understood to be the only ones active in the transfer race.

Rogerio could follow Davide Frattesi through the Sassuolo exit, with the highly-rated Italian midfielder reportedly edging closer to joining Serie A giants Inter Milan.