Sandro Tonali was the big signing at Newcastle United this summer.
The Italian international became only the second midfielder signed under PIF ownership in July following the January 2022 addition of Bruno Guimaraes.
Between the two signings, Newcastle were credited with an interest in what felt like hundreds of midfielders.
One of those was Inter Milan star and Tonali’s international teammate, Nicolo Barella.
Talks were reportedly held earlier this summer and, while a deal never came to fruition, it seems the midfielder could yet be on the move.
Nicolo Barella could be leaving Inter Milan for £77m next summer
Indeed, according to CaughtOffside, Inter may be open to selling the former Cagliari midfielder.
While they were reportedly strong in their stance that Barella wouldn’t leave last summer, the situation could yet change.
The report suggests the Premier League is seen as his likely destination amid interest from Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Still, while the Italian giants could be willing to sell the 26-year-old, they will not do so on the cheap.
Indeed, it is claimed Barella is valued at a whopping £77m.
Newcastle have other midfield issues to sort out
It, of course, would be foolish to suggest Barella would be anything approaching a bad signing for Newcastle.
Still, Eddie Howe has other midfield issues to fix before he introduces another big name into the ranks, be that Barella or anyone else.
While there is said to be a confidence that the trio of Tonali, Guimaraes and Joelinton will work, it has not been particularly productive yet.
Clearly, there’s time to work on that but it seems wiser to get that particular department firing on all cylinders before signing a big name for huge money to further complicate matters.
Hopefully, by the time next summer rolls around, it will be…
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