Santon not in Sampdoria transfer plans

Sampdoria claim there is no substance to reports suggesting they are keen on taking Davide Santon back to Serie A from Newcastle.

RUMOR REDUX

Which big name stars could be on the move this summer? Find out the latest with Rumor Redux.

The full-back left his homeland last summer after the Magpies recruited him from Inter Milan. He went on to make 24 appearances during his debut season on Tyneside, with his form improving steadily across the season.

It has, however, been reported that he could be lured back to Italy after just 12 months in England.

Roma are said to have already seen one approach knocked back, while Sampdoria were believed to be waiting in the wings.

Samp's appointment of Ciro Ferrara helped to fuel the speculation, with Santon having captained Italy's Under-21 side during Ferrara's reign.

The Genoa-based club insist they have no intention of making an approach, though, with their sights set on other targets.

"Santon has decided to go and play in a country where the football is different from ours," said Samp's sporting director Pasquale Sensibile.

"He is a player who is not part of our transfer objectives."