TBR Football can now confirm that Newcastle have held talks over a deal to sign Davide Frattesi in addition to Nick Woltemade.
A frustrating hunt for a new striker is nearing an end for Eddie Howe after Newcastle agreed a £64.8m deal for Woltemade – although VfB Stuttgart sources stress the move is actually worth £77.8m instead.
Whatever the real fee, Newcastle have their Alexander Isak replacement – and sources now inform TBR Football that a deal for a midfielder is being worked on with Davide Frattesi in sight.
Exclusive: Newcastle discussing Davide Frattesi deal, Conor Gallagher also remains an option
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – can confirm that Newcastle have been holding talks over a new central midfielder this week.
Reports in Italy state that Newcastle have bid for Frattesi – although we understand this is not the case.
TBR Football have been told Newcastle do admire the Inter Milan No.16 and are aware of his situation, as talks unearthed the fact he could potentially be available before the 7pm transfer deadline on Monday.
The Magpies also like Conor Gallagher – and the England international remains an option for Howe after Atletico Madrid told the Londoner he can depart.
Frattesi – described as a “nightmare to play against” by ScoutedFTBL – was an unused substitute as Inter Milan recorded a 5-0 win over Torino in their opening game of the new Serie A season.
However, the Italy international was a key man last term, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 47 appearances, including the late winner against Barcelona which fired Inter Milan into the UEFA Champions League final.
Newcastle have turned down Lewis Miley request
Howe currently has a thin midfield department, exacerbated by injuries to Joelinton and Sandro Tonali during the 3-2 defeat against Liverpool.
As a result of this, we understand Newcastle have rejected a request from Lewis Miley to leave on loan.
Newcastle are still yet to replace Sean Longstaff after he was sold to Leeds – and are unwilling to weaken the central midfield department even further.
The injuries to Tonali and Joelinton are not as bad as first feared – fortunately – with Howe saying: “Relatively good news on both players. When they left the pitch, we feared they may be out long-term.
“Joey’s scan was good, but he will miss this weekend. We’ll hopefully get him back for the game after the international break… Sandro’s injury isn’t serious, he is battling to be fit for tomorrow.”