Newcastle are £30million away from making ‘statement signing’

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Nicolo Barella is the dream signing for Newcastle United fans right now, but a deal for the Italian does not appear to be any closer.

The Inter Milan midfielder emerged as a shock target for the Magpies last week, as Eddie Howe looks to make a marquee addition to his squad ahead of competing in the Champions League.

He would love to work with Barella at St James’ Park, but it looks like £50million will not be enough to tempt the Serie A side into selling the 26-year-old superstar.

Pundit Don Hutchison has admitted that Barella would be a ‘statement signing‘ for Newcastle, and it now looks like the Toon owners are going to have to smash their transfer record to make this dream a reality.

Newcastle and Inter Milan disagree over Nicolo Barella valuation

According to the Independent, Inter’s asking price for Barella is around £80million. That means that Newcastle are £30million shy of where they need to be to have an offer accepted.

That is a huge gap to bridge, and the Independent add that the Magpies are not willing to pay more than £50million for the man who has been described as one of the ‘best in Europe‘ by Jamie Carragher.

With a huge gap in valuation, it looks like Newcastle are going to have to turn their attentions elsewhere. The report states that AC Milan star Sandro Tonali could be alternative – another Italy international who was recently linked with joining Howe’s side.

What is clear is that Newcastle want a major name to enhance their midfield next season. That appears to be where the majority of the transfer budget is going to go.

However, it is clear that the club do not want to spend everything they have got on Barella. Therefore, Dan Ashworth and co need to do everything it takes to negotiate a lower price or simply move on.

Hopefully it is the former, as the thought of seeing Barella play alongside Bruno Guimaraes in a black and white shirt is tantalising.