Newcastle United learn price tag for Inter Milan star amid Tottenham Hotspur claims

Newcastle United have learnt how much they will have to pay to sign Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu - according to reports in Italy.

The talented Turkish international has scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances since he made a controversial cross-city move from AC Milan last summer.

The 28-year-old suggested the move was motivated by a desire to land the Serie A title - but could only watch on as his former club pipped his current employers to last season’s Scudetto.

Speaking of the move and AC’s title win, he told Turkish outlet Tivibu Spor: “It was very difficult, as it was the same city and different colours, but I worked hard and knew this was my opportunity to join the reigning champions of Italy.”

“Then when the team I joined didn’t win the Scudetto and my old club did, people acted like it was my fault. I am very happy at Inter, though, and the support of the fans is very helpful. I played at Milan for four years, but nobody ever chanted my name in the stands, whereas it happens every time I just warm up for Inter.”

Calhanoglu has started six of Inter’s seven fixtures in all competitions so far this season and found the net in a 3-0 win over Spezia last month - but that has not stopped speculation over his future.

CalcioMercato have now reported Inter have informed possible suitors they will accept offers of around £26 million for the midfielder and suggested Calhanoglu has ‘several admirers’ in the Premier League.

Newcastle are named as a possible destination and the report also reveals Inter are ready to make a move for former Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Ruslan Malinovskyi as a replacement should Calhanoglu depart.

The Atalanta star is out of contract next summer and was linked with a move away from the Gewiss Stadium during the summer transfer window.