Newcastle will definitely not be signing ‘top class’ 26-year-old in January now

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Newcastle United are looking at potential midfielders they could sign in January to replace Sandro Tonali, but they will not be making a move for one of his fellow Italy internationals.

The Magpies look set to be without Sandro Tonali for a long period of time, with the 23-year-old due to receive a ban after being investigated by the Italian Football Federation for betting.

He received a wonderful ovation from Toon fans during Saturday’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, but it now looks like that could be his last game for a while. It has been reported that an announcement regarding his ban is on the horizon and that he is unlikely to be involved in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Looking further into the future towards the January transfer window, the Magpies are now pondering whether or not they should sign a replacement.

Eddie Howe’s side have been linked with Kalvin Phillips, while Everton’s Amadou Onana has emerged as another target. However, one man who won’t be coming to St James’ Park is Nicolo Barella.

Newcastle will not launch fresh move for Nicolo Barella

According to the Athletic, Newcastle will not make a fresh move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella when the January transfer window opens. That is because he would be too expensive.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Tyneside earlier this year, and appeared to be the club’s major midfield target before Sandro Tonali emerged on the scene.

Newcastle did make a move for the Italian, but he proved to be too expensive. On top of that, he was also eager to remain in Serie A.

Instead, the Magpies turned to Tonali, and used their interest in Barella as a smokescreen to get the deal for the 23-year-old done.

But with Tonali due to receive a ban, Newcastle are now looking for a midfielder once again. Common sense would suggest they would move for the player they wanted before Tonali, but he is simply too expensive.

It was reported in the summer that Inter wanted £80million for their ‘top class‘ superstar, which would have made him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

There is simply no way the Magpies will be spending that kind of money in January 2024, meaning a move for Barella is a non-starter.