Former Liverpool target Nicolo Barella is high on Newcastle's shopping list this summer as the Magpies prepare for a Champions League campaign.
Eddie Howe's side secured a top four finish last season, squeaking over the line despite winning just one of their last five games. They finished four points clear of Jurgen Klopp's Reds, who couldn't quite time a late-season run to perfection, and could now move for one man who has long been linked with an Anfield switch.
Italy international Barella was part of Inter's squad for the Champions League final, where they were narrowly beaten by Manchester City in Istanbul. Next season, though, he could find himself in the Premier League and with an opportunity to prove former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard right.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are closing in on a £50m deal to bring Barella to St James' Park. Howe's side are keen to add two new midfielders, with a move for James Maddison also anticipated after Leicester's relegation.
Former England midfielder Gerrard is just one of a number of individuals in the game to speak highly of Barella. "He's creative, he can nick important goals," Gerrard - who is expected start the upcoming season in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq - told BT Sport before the Champions League final.
"I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game. He did really well against the England midfield - Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. He's at a good age as well, coming into his prime."
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Despite only turning 26 this year, Barella already has 43 senior caps for Italy. He started all of the Azzurri's knockout games at Euro 2020, including the final against England at Wembley, and scored in the quarter-final victory over Belgium.
At club level, the Sardinian-born star began his career with hometown club Cagliari before moving to Inter in 2019, first on loan and then permanently. He missed just two games in the 2020-21 Serie A season as the Nerazzurri won the Scudetto under Antonio Conte, and scored six goals in 35 league games last term as Inter finished third behind Napoli and Lazio.
Liverpool's attentions appear to have moved elsewhere, with Alexis Mac Allister becoming their first signing of the close-season. The Argentina international has joined from Brighton for £35m, though he might not be the only midfield addition this summer.
If Barella does opt for Newcastle, he won't have long to wait to show Liverpool what they're missing out on. Klopp's team travel to the North-East in just their third game of the season, with the reverse fixture being held in late December.
