Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella for a £50m transfer fee. The 26-year-old was linked with a move to the Premier League at the close of last season, with Liverpool said to be closing following the Italy international.
The Telegraph now report that Newcastle United are very close to agreeing a deal for Barella, in a move worth round £50 million. The newspaper writes:
Telegraph Sport understands that Newcastle have earmarked the majority of their transfer budget to sign two midfield players, with Leicester City’s James Maddison the other main target.
Newcastle have been desperate to sign a No.6 this summer to allow Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes to play further up the pitch and Barella would be a stunning upgrade on Jonjo Shelvey, who was allowed to leave for Nottingham Forest back in January.
A deal is thought to be reachable, according to multiple sources, with intensive talks taking place over the last few days. But there is still work to do to conclude negotiations. Barella would become Newcastle’s highest earner if they can pull it off and it would be a major statement of the club’s newfound pulling power.
Manager Eddie Howe has argued strongly that he needs at least two “elite players” to improve the first team rather than spread a limited budget around on squad players. Barella, who has been capped 43 times by Italy, fits that mould and has been one of the best deep lying midfield players in Europe over the last two years.
