Newcastle United have emerged as rivals to Serie A side Lazio in the race to sign Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Magpies are actively exploring midfield targets as they prepare for life under manager Matthias Jaissle.
Newcastle initially held talks with Inter over Aleksandar Stankovic. They ruled out his departure and directed them towards Frattesi as a more realistic market opportunity.
Inter have placed a €25 million valuation on Frattesi as they aim to raise immediate transfer funds.
Nerazzurri manager Cristian Chivu wants to sanction a permanent exit for the energetic box-to-box midfielder.
He is eager to streamline his squad, free up wages and reinvest the proceeds ahead of a title defence next season.
Lazio have also been pursuing Frattesi to bolster Gennaro Gattuso’s midfield options, but they are in a weaker negotiating position.
Due to financial constraints, Lazio can only propose an initial loan with a conditional option to buy, well short of Inter’s expectations.
This situation gives Newcastle a clear advantage. With significant financial resources from recent high-profile sales, the Magpies can submit a permanent bid that meets Inter’s requirements.
Newcastle’s strong relationship with Frattesi’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, could further aid negotiations.
Frattesi, known for his goalscoring instincts from midfield, is open to a Premier League move for the first time in his career, having previously been linked with Nottingham Forest.
Frattesi is not the only Serie A player on Newcastle’s radar, with Hellas Verona defender Rafik Belghali also wanted.
