NEWCASTLE fans have gone wild after entering talks with Inter Milan to buy Nicola Barella in a £50million deal.
The ace is the favourite midfield player of new £115m Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
But rival supporters have branded the transfer bid “ridiculous”, with Barella thought to be worth significantly more.
The Italy star, 26, was a key player in Inter’s run to the Champions League final where they were defeated 1-0 by Manchester City.
And Toon are believed to be confident of reaching an agreement which could make the midfielder their highest-paid player.
Man Utd back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka recalled by Newcastle
Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his midfield options and signing Barella would allow Bruno Guimaraes to play further forward.
England playmaker James Maddison, 26, is also a target but Leicester want £50m-plus and Toon value him at £45m.
Barella is regarded as a world-beater in his position.
And fellow midfield ace Bellingham hailed him as his favourite midfielder while selecting a Dream XI during his Borussia Dortmund days.
The England star said: “I’d probably go with Barella.
BETTING SPECIAL - BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
“I just enjoy watching him play, I think he’s unbelievable.”
Barella has been at Inter since 2019 following an initial loan from Cagliari.
The 43-time Italy international has scored 20 goals in 187 games.
And he’s won a Serie A title plus two Italian Cups during his time at the San Siro.
Lucas Perez pays part of own transfer fee to rejoin beloved Deportivo
Barella would certainly bring a winning mentality to St James’ Park, having been named in the Serie A Team of the Year for the past four seasons.
And Toon fans are ecstatic their club are setting their sights high in the transfer market.
One said: “Be a quality signing that.”
Another declared: “Fantastic Magpies.”
One added: “What a signing that will be.”
However, some rival fans laughed off the £50m tag, claiming Barella is one of Inter’s key players and is likely to cost at least double that.
One said: “For £50m Barella will give you an autographed shirt of his.”
Another noted: “He’s worth far more than that and Inter should hold out for a better deal.”
One added: “He’s actually among the 3 untouchables and even if Inter wants to sell it will be a crazy stupid offer, nothing less.”
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football