Newcastle United have held talks with a "great" player's agent ahead of a potential move this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.
Howe feeling positive amid Isak saga
The Magpies made a respectable start to their Premier League season, drawing 0-0 away to Aston Villa on Saturday, in a result that Eddie Howe would surely have taken before the game. The Newcastle manager has now spoken positively about the feel within the group, even though the Alexander Isak situation is still far from sorted.
eddie howe
"We had to change the narrative around us really because everything was negative and sometimes that can consume you. We’ve consistently had players here that have fought really hard for the club in difficult circumstances before and we’ve always come through as a better team for it. This is a unique situation and a difficult situation for the players to handle but today I think they were brilliant in their response."
For Newcastle, it's now a case of enjoying a strong end to the summer transfer window, looking to not only keep hold of Isak, but also signing further players after the weekend addition of Jacob Ramsey from Villa, with the likes of Yoana Wissa and Nicolas Jackson potential options.
Newcastle hold talks with Italian star's agent
In a new development, Newcastle are said to have made contact with Davide Frattesi's agent over a move to St James' Park this summer. It is going to be "very difficult" to get a deal over the line, with Inter Milan wanting to keep hold of an important midfielder.
This comes after a weekend claim that the Magpies had seen a bid for the 25-year-old rejected, when in fact, this new update suggests an offer is yet to be made.
Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi
Frattesi joining Newcastle does admittedly feel unlikely at this point, but if the situation does change, he could be a fantastic addition, helping boost Howe's squad depth ahead of his side's return to the Champions League.
The Italy international has been an impressive performer for Inter, winning one Serie A title and helping them reach last season's Champions League final, while the legendary Roberto Baggio has praised him in the past.
“I didn’t follow much on the transfer market, but two moves stuck in my mind. The first is Tonali ‘s move to Newcastle, which I didn’t expect. Milan lose a lot without him. The other is Frattesi’s move to Inter, because he’s a player I like and follow. This is a great coup."
If Newcastle can sign Frattesi, keep Isak and also bring in another striker to make up for the loss of Callum Wilson, a disappointing summer would suddenly feel very productive.