Newcastle United handed fresh transfer ‘concern’ amid ‘battle’ with Aston Villa to sign midfielder

Newcastle United fans will already be counting down the days to the new season after a stellar campaign of last.

Eddie Howe’s men are Europe-bound, and Champions League-bound, no less. The Magpies were not expected to land a top four finish last season, but they proved plenty of people wrong by doing so, and they must now get off to a strong start in the summer window if they want to land their prirority targets, needing to improve a number of positions to be Champions League-ready.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Barella concern

Newcastle are reportedly ‘closing in’ on Inter Milan sensation Nico Barella, but all may not be what it seems.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will look to sign another midfielder this summer after snapping up Alexis Mac Allister, and they are said to be keen on landing Barella. Newcastle are reportedly getting close to a £50million deal for the creative star, but it may be a big issue for Newcastle if Liverpool join the race.

Then again, Barella has just missed out in the Champions League final after Inter Milan’s defeat to Man City, and Newcastle can offer more Champions League football this season, with Liverpool in Europa League.

Melo chase

Newcastle have once again been linked with a move for Liverpool flop Arthur Melo.

According to TMW, both Newcastle and Aston Villa are expressing an interest in the midfielder, who had another disappointing season of last. Melo spent the campaign on loan with Liverpool, but he seldom featured and returned to Juventus having gained very little.

Juventus are unsurprisingly keen on a sale this summer, and the Magpies are said to be an option as they look to add more high quality experience to their midfield.