Newcastle United were keen on acquiring the services of 26-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella in the summer.
According to Corriere dello Sport via SportWitness, Newcastle United wanted to sign Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in the recently concluded summer transfer window. But, a transfer couldn’t materialise because neither the player was keen on the move and nor was Inter ready to sell.
The Magpies headed into the summer transfer market on the back of an impressive season under Eddie Howe. They managed to secure Champions League football by finishing inside the Premier League top four and now wanted to further bolster their squad.
Howe was desperate to have a new midfielder in their ranks. He wanted to sign a world-class player who could help them compete in the UCL as well as the league. The Magpies shortlisted Inter Milan’s Barella and started pushing for his services.
They were keen on having the 26-year-old in their ranks because of his heroics last season. The Italian international was one of their best players throughout the season. And, he was a major reason for their incredible run in the Champions League that ended in the finals.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed and there was a lot of interest in the Inter midfielder’s services throughout the transfer window. Many clubs wanted to sign him but the Magpies were the only ones to have made a direct approach.
They approached the player as well as the club regarding a possible move. But, neither party was interested in a transfer, their approach was turned down straight away. After failing to sign the Ballon d’Or nominee, the English club decided to turn their attention towards AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali.
While Inter were not ready to part ways with Barella, Milan were ready to talk. They were more receptive to the Premier League club’s money. The Magpies ended up prising Tonali away from his childhood club.
