Newcastle United have emerged as a surprise contender for Inter Milan and Italy star Nicolo Barella.
Barella has been one of Inter Milan’s most consistent performers this season and was instrumental in the club’s run to the Champions League final. Although his side lost to Manchester City in the final, the Italian midfielder showed his class in the game.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have taken an interest in him and have extensively talked with him and Inter over a deal that would cost around £50m.
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According to the report, there is a belief a deal can be done, although the negotiations are not complete.
Newcastle aren’t the only club that want Barella, though. Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are also strong admirers, but their lack of Champions League football could affect their chances of securing the Italian’s signature.
Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League after a top-four finish this season and have the advantage in the race for Barella.
According to GOAL, Howe is said to have told the Newcastle board that he wants to sign two elite players this summer to prepare his side for Europe’s top club competition. Apart from Barella, the Magpies are also interested in buying James Maddison from Leicester, although they face competition from Tottenham.
