Newcastle United & Liverpool ‘priced out’ of £80m deal as alternative options considered

Newcastle United will struggle to sign Nicolo Barella this summer as Inter Milan demand £80million for their star midfielder.

The Magpies opened talks with the Champions League finalists last week in the hope of reaching a £50m transfer. It has since been reported Inter want at least another £30m before considering a sale.

Securing Barella’s signature would go down as a marquee signing for Newcastle, with the 26-year-old an established Italian international and one of Serie A’s best midfielders.

While he is predominantly a No.6 i.e. the Bruno Guimaraes role, Barella can play as a No.8. He netted nine goals last season, including three in Inter’s run to the Champions League final.

However, with the two clubs far apart in negotiations, United are considering alternative midfield options, according to the Independent. Similarly, Liverpool hold an interest in Barella but like Newcastle believe the asking price is too high.

Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram is a player admired by both clubs. The France international, valued at a reported £51m, scored two goals in 48 appearances during the 2022-23 season. He has two years remaining on his contract.

The Independent has also credited Newcastle with interest in AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.

Tonali has been a key part of Milan’s midfield since joining from Brescia in 2020 - making 130 appearances - but speculation has surrounded his future for the last 12 months.

Gallagher, meanwhile, won’t come cheap if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer. The attacking midfielder commented on his future after England’s 7-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday.

“I will just relax and get ready for pre-season now,” the 23-year-old said. “Mauricio Pochettino is a top manager and I am looking forward to working with him.

“It’s been a really tough season for me and the whole team, whole club at Chelsea. So, I think we will just be working as hard as we can to get Chelsea back to what it was. It’s nice to finally get to enjoy the summer.”

James Maddison also remains a target for Newcastle, although Leicester City have set an initial asking price of £60million despite the player entering the final year of his contract.