Toon eyeing TWO Inter Milan stars and AC Milan maestro following Barella talks - Craig Hope

According to The Mail's Craig Hope, Nicolo Barella is not the only Milan-based stars on Newcastle's radar.

In an update on the 26-year-old, the North East reporter reveals that Inter left-back Federico Dimarco and AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali are also under consideration.

Hope claims that Toon scouts have watched 'several' Serie A games in recent months, saying we've entered 'early talks' over a move for Barella and also hold interest in two of his Italian teammates.

He insists that any deal for Barella has been described as a 'difficult' one to pull off - no surprise for a player of his calbire - as Inter are expected to demand more than the £50m package currently being explored. Additionally, it's 'not yet known' if the player himself is keen on a move to St James' Park.

Howe is thought to be a big admirer of the all-action midfielder and is attracted by his ability to play as a deep-lying No 6 or box-to-box No 8, offering tactical flexibility and versatility ahead of what promises to be a hectic season.

Tonali is similar, as the 23-year-old has operated in both roles for AC Milan over the past two seasons, while Dimarco, 25, has operated at wing-back, left-back and centre-back for Inter.