It sounds like Liverpool and Chelsea could rival Newcastle’s interest in Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Chelsea are weighing up a move for the Italian, who has been identified as a potential alternative to Moises Caicedo.
The Blues have launched a £60m bid for the Brighton star, but alternatives such as Barella, Romeo Lavia, Manu Kone and Sandro Tonali are all being considered; four players who’ve all been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks.
Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool are being ‘kept informed’ on Barella’s availability as they plan to bolster their midfield options this summer.
The journalist is unsure if the Reds have the money available to make a £50m-plus move for the 26-year-old, but it could complicate our attempts to secure a surprise deal if Chelsea and Liverpool throw their names into the hat. He also reports that Barella is “very happy” in Milan and will cost considerably more than £50m, should he leave.
On James Maddison, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has released an update on our ongoing interest, saying we look set to make a move for the Foxes star.
Jacobs – who happens to be a Leicester fan – reveals that Newcastle value Maddison at around £40m now he’s entered the final year of his contract. However, the East Midlands club want ‘at least £55m’ and are hoping to see a bidding war following rival interest from Spurs.
