Man City are trying to sign £80m player who Eddie Howe really wanted at Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

While Newcastle United fans are buzzing about the arrival of Sandro Tonali, the summer transfer window started with the pursuit of another Italian.

Before Tonali, it was his fellow countryman Nicolo Barella.

The Magpies made a move to land the Inter Milan midfielder, as they went in search of a deal that would have been a real statement of intent.

However, it quickly became clear that a transfer was not on the cards. Inter Milan wanted £80million, which was £30million more than what the Magpies were prepared to play.

Eddie Howe was really keen to work with Barella, but the feeling was not mutual. He wanted to stay in Italy, meaning Newcastle had to turn elsewhere. That led them to Tonali, and the rest is history.

But while Newcastle could not get Barella, another Premier League team are going to try their luck.

Manchester City interested in Nicolo Barella

According to 90min, Manchester City are looking for possible replacements if Bernardo Silva leaves the club this summer.

The report states that Barella is an option, with 90min claiming that Man City have started work on trying to sign the 26-year-old. However, he is still reportedly not available.

That is probably encouraging for Newcastle, as not even Man City can tempt him away from Inter. It wasn’t that he didn’t want Newcastle, he simply does not want to leave Italy.

It is also a testament to the calibre of player the Magpies were trying to buy. He is a special talent, and someone who Man City seemingly feel could do a job at the Etihad. That speaks volumes considering how dominant they were last season as they completed the treble.

It would have been breathtaking if Newcastle had been able to land Barella, but it wasn’t to be. Now Man City appear to be having the same problem, and are going to have to look elsewhere.

Newcastle did just that, and got themselves Tonali, who already looks like the real deal.