'Newcastle is very inconvenient' - Loris Karius' fiancee Diletta Leotta asks ex-Liverpool goalkeeper to leave St James' Park and seal Serie A transfer to be with her and their seven-month-old daughter

The DAZN presenter lifted the lid on the difficulties of conducting a long-distance relationship since the birth of their daughter in August last year. Leotta resides in Milan while Karius spends the majority of his time in the north east of England where he currently plays for Newcastle United.

In an interview with Tuttosport, Leotta said: "Loris has people by his side who are working for him. I hope he makes the best choice for his career. I live in Milan and so let's say that close to Milan in terms of comfort would be ideal for us."

After the interviewer suggested Monza, Leotta replied: "Monza or any other team in Italy. I would be happy if she could come and play in Italy and be close to his family. Newcastle is very inconvenient because there are no direct flights. Neither about Paris nor about Amsterdam."

Leotta's comments underline some of the issues players face when the itinerant nature of the job often takes them away from family.

Karius's contract at Newcastle expires in the summer and a new challenge in Serie A may well prove perfect for a the 30-year-old, who has struggled to find regular football since an ill-fated spell at Liverpool.

The German will almost certainly be on the Newcastle bench for the 16th time this season when the Magpies host West Ham United at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.