Newcastle United are yet to launch an official bid for Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan - but have made it known to the Champions League finalists they like the Italy international.
Reports of an enquiry came via the Daily Telegraph and Sky Sports last night after an intermediary informed Inter of Eddie Howe's interest in the classy 26-year-old midfielder. Barella's wages at Inter are currently around £150,000 per week plus bonuses but it would take a significant raise to lure him from the club he loves.
Inter chiefs dismissed any prospect of Newcastle landing him at £50million last night. And Inter supremo Steven Zhang's initial stance is believed to be that Barella is "not for sale" with his valuation significantly higher according to sources in Milan.
Screaming front page headlines on the front of La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy this morning read: "Untouchable" on the subject of Barella, who has commanded interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea this year, leaving the San Siro.
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It remains to be seen whether Newcastle return with a more tempting offer for Barella. The Italy star - who was a key part of the Azzurri winning Euro 2020 - is happy at the San Siro and is contracted for another two years.
There has been talk of an extension to his existing deal at Inter. The Italian giants also see Newcastle as Champions League rivals and will offer resistance to his sale.
However, every club has a tipping point on transfers and Barella's loyalty to Inter would also be tested. But the vibes coming from Inter seem to be that the Magpies would have to make him the club's highest earner and the club's so far rigid pay scale could potentially have to go over £200,000 per week for the first time to get him.
What is also true is that Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio has been in the UK to discuss the sale of other stars. He is talking to Chelsea about the purchase of Romelu Lukaku while centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is also of interest to Inter.
