Newcastle United are yet to launch an official bid for Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan - but have made it known to the Champions League finalists they like the Italy international.
Reports of an enquiry came via the Daily Telegraph and Sky Sports last night after an intermediary informed Inter of Eddie Howe's interest in the classy 26-year-old midfielder. Barella's wages at Inter are currently around £150,000 per week plus bonuses but it would take a significant raise to lure him from the club he loves.
Inter chiefs dismissed any prospect of Newcastle landing him at £50million last night. And Inter supremo Steven Zhang's initial stance is believed to be that Barella is "not for sale" with his valuation significantly higher according to sources in Milan.
