The Serie A giants want a minimum of £68 million for Nicolo Barella, and a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, have contacted Inter Milan about a deal.

When Fabrizio Romano claimed that Newcastle’s proposed offer of £50 million was “nowhere near enough” to secure the services of a 26-year-old all-action midfielder who was once ranked among Europe’s top-three central midfielders by former England manager Fabio Capello, he wasn’t lying.

At the San Siro, there was reportedly “uproar” over Newcastle’s approach.

Nicolo Barella is worth at least £20 million more to Inter Milan, which was the runners-up in the Champions League a fortnight ago. While there are plenty of people who are interested in the former Cagliari schemer — according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all “called” Inter to express their interest — the wise choice is for Barella to stay in blue-and-black for another season.

For much less than £68 million, Liverpool could acquire Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram. Mason Mount, a Chelsea contract rebel, is a target for Manchester United, who are hoping to reach an agreement with him for about £50 million (Daily Mail).

It costs even more to hire Nicolo Barella than to hire Mason Mount.

One of Erik ten Hag’s top targets and a replacement for Mount at Old Trafford is Barella, according to a Gazzetta dello Sport add. Barella exhibits similar vigour, drive, and goal-orientedness to Mount.

The latter’s relative affordability, however, as well as his track record in the Premier League, may make a renewed effort on the part of the Red Devils to bring Barella to Old Trafford extremely unlikely.

Massimo Moratti, a former owner of Inter, remarked in 2021 that Barella’s style of play is reminiscent of the great midfielder Paul Scholes, a former Manchester United player.

“Inter has really been lucky to have him,” one person said.

When Antonio Conte was Inter’s coach two years ago, Barella was a part of the team that won the Scudetto. He scored 19 goals or provided assists during the 2022–23 season, which was arguably his best to date.

Without a doubt, Barella ranks among the top three midfielders in European football. Unquestionably,” Capello remarked.

He is able to move with quality, pace, and vision. Everything he does is correct. Although right back Achraf Hakimi has speed, Hakimi’s ability to get there quickly and kick the ball into the box sets him apart. Ball is accurately crossed by Barella. This difference is very significant.

“Barella recovers the ball, passes it, and initiates motion.”