Newcastle United prepare to make ‘last-ditch’ move for Inter Milan star

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a late move for Inter Milan and Turkey star Hakan Calhanoglu.

The 28-year-old midfielder made a controversial cross-city move from AC Milan last summer and enjoyed a productive first season with the Nerazzurri.

Calhanoglu scored eight and provided 13 assists during 45 appearances in all competitions for for Simone Inzaghi’s side and earned the praise of his new manager following a debut goal against Genoa.

Inzaghi told DAZN: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start, especially in front of our fans back in the stadium.

“Calhanoglu is a great player, able to unite quality and quantity. He ran so hard for the team as well. Every time I played against him, he caused me problems.

“We were fortunate enough to pick him up and I think he can get stronger, because he doesn’t realise how good he is.”

Calhanoglu has also made an impressive start to the new season, scoring in the 3-0 home win against Spezia and providing an assist for Nicolo Barella in Tuesday’s win against Cremonese.

InterLive have suggested Calhanoglu has interest from clubs in Germany, but also revealed Newcastle see the midfielder as the ‘icing on the cake’ following the completion of a club record deal for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak.

The report also states Inter would been keen to keep hold of the Turk, despite the ‘good capital gain’ an offer from Newcastle would represent.