Nicolo Barella has already dropped Premier League transfer hint amid Newcastle United talks

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has already revealed his hopes of playing in the Premier League amid strong interest from Newcastle United.

The Champions League finalist has emerged as one of the Magpies’ leading targets and early talks over a £50million move have taken place.

Securing Barella’s signature would go down as a marquee signing, 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.

In flashbacks to last summer’s Sven Botman to AC Milan saga, sections of the Italian media have doubted if Barella would fancy a move to St James’ Park, which will host Champions League football for the first time in 20 years next season.

However, Barella’s previous comments are promising, and suggest he’d jump at the opportunity to move to the Premier League.

During an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport in 2018 when he was still a Cagliari player, Barella opened the door to a move to England’s top-flight.

Barella said: “Cagliari received offers and turned them down. I am happy to have remained with the club I support.

“If I had to choose between Serie A and the Premier League, I’d go for England, because I like the way they approach the game. Plus everyone there is just as irritable and prone to fouls as me!

“My dream is to get a nice house with a garden and a pool. And to meet LeBron James.”

Before leaving Cagliari to join Inter in 2019, Barella attracted interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.