Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has a number of options in the summer transfer window with Liverpool prepared to double his wages in an effort to sign him, according to reports.
The Italy international has emerged as one of the best midfielders in world football in recent years and helped Inter to a third-placed finish in Serie A and a Champions League final appearance in the season just gone.
And his form is attracting interest from Premier League clubs with Newcastle United becoming a unexpected potential suitor for the 26-year-old midfielder.
The Daily Telegraph claimed last week that the Magpies are prepared to spend ‘the majority of their transfer budget’ on the Italian and Leicester City’s James Maddison, with the Geordies ‘pushing hard to complete a sensational deal’.
He would become their ‘highest earner’ with a deal described as ‘reachable’ by the newspaper, as Eddie Howe looks to bring in marquee signings.
Manchester United have also been mentioned as a potential destination with Italian publication Gazetta dello Sport insisting that a move to Old Trafford is seen as ‘far more attractive’ to Barella than Newcastle.
