Transfer Talk: Newcastle aiming to bolster midfield with Barella coup

Newcastle are in talks over a sensational swoop for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella.

The midfield maestro was a key figure for the Nerazzurri last season, helping them win the Coppa Italia, secure a top-four finish and reach the Champions League final.

His performances have reportedly prompted the Magpies to launch a £50million bid, as Eddie Howe looks to add reinforcements to his squad.

Ahead of Italy's Nations League third-place play-off against the Netherlands, we assess the impact Barella could have on Tyneside.

Top performer

There is little doubt that Barella would be an outstanding addition to Newcastle's ranks.

The 26-year-old displayed impressive end product at the San Siro last term, contributing six goals and six assists in Serie A.

He is also an active presence off the ball, frequently regaining possession in the attacking and middle thirds of the pitch.

Barella's profile looks to sync perfectly with Howe's desire for high-energy midfielders.

Maddison chase

Newcastle are also reportedly targeting creative midfielder James Maddison this summer.

The Magpies are believed to be leading the race to sign Leicester's playmaker, who only has one year left on his contract.

He is even more involved in the final third than Barella, managing an impressive 19 Premier League goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) for a side that got relegated last term.

If Howe can pair Barella and Maddison together in a revamped midfield, the Tynesiders will be a force to be reckoned with in 2023-24.

High praise

Though Newcastle appear to be in pole position for his signature, Barella has been admired by Liverpool for quite some time — with former Reds defender Jamie Carragher praising the Cagliari academy product.

Speaking back in March, he said: "We saw how outstanding he [Barella] was for his national team in winning the European Championship.

"He's that player who can open things up, he gets in there, but that inside right position now is so important in football and can you make runs from that position?

"He makes runs ahead of the striker. And he's a huge goal threat."

Playing hardball

Given Barella is under contract until 2026, he will not be prised away from Inter with ease.

Nerazzurri chairman Steven Zhang was clear on his thoughts about any potential deal after news of Newcastle's interest broke.

He said: "He [Barella] is simply untransferable."

However, despite Zhang's protestations, Inter's precarious financial situation would make it hard for them to turn down a significant bid from the Magpies.

Short-term focus

Barella will have plenty on his mind as he prepares to take on the Netherlands this afternoon.

Inter's No8 has already racked up 44 appearances for Italy, showcasing his abilities by starring in the Azzurri's triumphant Euro 2020 campaign.

Though lifting another trophy this summer is now out of the question, Barella will be keen to shine and remind would-be suitors why he is worth a big-money bid.