Newcastle United star shows support for £50m Nicolo Barella deal with social media post

Newcastle United are pushing to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella - which seems to have got the seal of approval from one member of the Magpies’ dressing room.

Barella has emerged as one of Eddie Howe’s top transfer targets with early talks taking place over a potential £50million deal, as broken by The Telegraph.

The story has since been relayed by a number of sources, including transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Uploading to Instagram, Romano said: “What’s going on between Nicolo Barella and Newcastle after UK rumours of deal now close to being done? 🇮🇹

“Inter have not received any bid or formal approach for Barella — nothing is in advanced/concrete stage. Newcastle have genuine interest in Barella as Eddie Howe rates him highly, as called by Telegraph.

“There’s still no bid — and Inter sources guarantee £50m reported fee is ‘nowhere near’ his valuation. Player side is also crucial — as nothing has been agreed/discussed with Barella on personal terms.”

Intriguingly, Romano’s post was liked by Magpies defender Sven Botman. Surely, a hint that the Dutch defender is in favour of Barella arriving at St James’ Park.

And why wouldn’t he? Signing the 26-year-old would be a huge statement of intent by Newcastle, who are preparing for their first Champions League campaign in 20 years.

Barella himself flourished on Europes’s biggest stage last season as Inter Milan reached the final.

While he is predominantly a No.6 i.e. the Bruno Guimaraes role, Barella can play as a No.8. He showed an eye for goal last term, netting nine times.