Newcastle United Targeting Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi

Newcastle United have stepped into the chase for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, going head-to-head with Lazio for his signature, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The move comes as Newcastle reshape their midfield ahead of Matthias Jaissle’s arrival. Recruitment plans are already shifting. The club first opened talks with Inter over highly rated youngster Aleksandar Stankovic, but that path closed quickly once the Italian champions made it clear he would not be leaving.

Inter then steered discussions towards Frattesi, viewing him as a more realistic – and more lucrative – option for the Premier League side.

The Nerazzurri have set a €25 million price tag on the Italy international as they look to generate immediate funds. Coach Cristian Chivu is ready to approve a permanent sale of the energetic box-to-box midfielder, intent on trimming his squad, cutting the wage bill and recycling the money into reinforcements for a title defence next season.

Lazio are in the frame, but on very different terms. Gennaro Gattuso wants Frattesi to add drive and goals to his midfield, yet the Roman club’s finances leave them short. Their proposal is limited to an initial loan with a conditional option to buy, a structure that falls well below Inter’s expectations and leaves them vulnerable in the race.

That’s where Newcastle sense an opening. Buoyed by funds from recent high-profile departures, the Magpies can go straight in with a permanent offer that matches Inter’s demands. Their strong working relationship with Frattesi’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, only strengthens their position at the table.

Frattesi, noted for his late runs and eye for goal from midfield, is understood to be ready to consider the Premier League seriously for the first time. He has previously been linked with Nottingham Forest, but a move never materialised.

Now, with Inter keen to bank a fee and Newcastle armed with cash and a clear need in midfield, Frattesi has moved from a name on a list to a concrete target on Tyneside.