Newcastle to rival Saudi clubs for Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic

Newcastle United will rival Saudi Arabian clubs for the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, according to Gazzetta.

Despite an upturn in performances on the pitch that saw them finish in the Serie A top four and reach the final of the Champions League, Inter still need to sell players before bringing in reinforcements.

Brozovic was previously considered a central figure in the Nerazzurri project, but the situation has changed, with the Croatia midfield maestro now expected to depart Guiseppe Meazza this summer.

The 30-year-old was part of Simone Inzaghi’s side that missed out on Champions League glory in Istanbul, with Manchester City emerging victorious, but has likely played his last game in an Inter shirt.

Newcastle, along with several Saudi-based clubs, are interested in his services. The Magpies have been linked with Brozovic in the past and have spoken to his representatives through intermediaries.

Inter will reportedly demand at least €30 million for the experienced midfielder. They have denied that the player is in advanced talks with potential suitors, but it is understood that interest in the former Dinamo Zagreb man is concrete.

Newcastle are keen to bolster their midfield depth after returning to the Champions League following an extended absence.

Despite being handed a £75m transfer budget, manager Eddie Howe wants to add at least two high-profile names to his squad.

Brozovic is reportedly open to an exit, having lost the confidence of the Inter hierarchy. His departure would lighten Inter’s wage bill and allow them to raise enough funds to sign a replacement.

The Nerazzurri already have a couple of names in mind, with Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi and Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at the top of their summer wish list.

Frattesi is one of the most wanted players in the Serie A, with several clubs in Italy and across Europe vying for his signature. 

However, Inter stands a chance of snapping him up, with the midfielder favouring a transfer to clubs within the country.

Milinkovic-Savic is also expected to leave Lazio this summer and has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain.