Newcastle United are closing in on a sensational £50m move for Inter Milan star Niccolo Barella as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of a return to Champions League football next season.
The Magpies ensured that they will be in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in two decades by finishing fourth last campaign, and are expected to spend big in a bid to keep themselves there for the foreseeable future.
One of their key areas to strengthen was in midfield, where they have been linked with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Felix Nmecha and Mason Mount and are expected to challenge Tottenham for the signature of the relegated Leicester star James Maddison.
In a shock twist, however, the Telegraph report that they are now ‘closing in’ on ‘a deal thought to be worth around £50 million’ for Inter Milan star Barella, who was impressive in the Champions League final on Saturday despite ending up on the losing side.
A long-term target for Liverpool, the Italian made 35 Serie A appearances last season and has racked up over 40 appearances for his country too. Under contract until 2026, he was always considered one of the players that the Nerazzurri would have to part ways with eventually in a bid to balance the books, but recent reports linking Andre Onana to Chelsea suggested that they may hold onto him for another season.
Though the report adds that a deal is not done, it ‘is thought to be reachable’ with ‘intensive talks taking place over the last few days’ over a move that would make Barella the club’s highest-ever earner.
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