Craig Burley has claimed that Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United could have signed an ‘even better’ player in Nicolo Barella of Inter ahead of Sandro Tonali’s transfer from AC Milan.
Newcastle United are set to make their first real statement of the summer, as they look to bring in AC Milan’s all-action midfielder Sandro Tonali to St James’ Park, with Burley adding that he ‘fits the profile’ of the club.
But the Italy international wasn’t the only one tipped to make the switch to Newcastle, with previous suggestions that it was going to be Nicolo Barella, as Burley questioned on ESPN.
Both Barella and Tonali are very different players, but both have the ability to play that number eight role and be trusted to do the job, both going back and forward.
The man heading to Newcastle has a better defensive brain and is more hard-hitting, whilst Inter’s Champions League finalist is quicker with his feet and has a better passing range.
Either way, Burley backed Newcastle’s move for Tonali, regardless of the transfer fee, but shared there is a better option across Milan.
“I thought they were going for Barella,” said Burley.
On possible Tonali fee: “Let’s not sit here and be shocked at £80 million. Chelsea spent £60 million on Cucurella. Transfer fees went bonkers a long time ago.
“So, 23-years-old, an Italian international, Don (Hutchison) was getting upset when people were saying that he is a holding midfielder when he can do a bit of everything.
“The one thing I will say is that he could do with adding some more goals to his game. He fits all the profile. He gets around the field. Very good on the ball. Young.
“Guimaraes is a different kind of player. You have Willock. Longstaff and you have Joelinton. I think Tonali is a better player. I think Barella is an even better player at Inter. This sends out some good signs to the Newcastle fans. £80 million, let’s not be shocked, it’s a drop in the ocean for some of these clubs.”
Newcastle sending out statements
It was a massive plus for Newcastle to finish in the Champions League places last season, but they are now sticking their chest out and telling the rest of the Premier League that they aren’t going anywhere.
It could be argued that they are ahead of schedule, but now they are looking to take this chance and steam ahead and ensure that they secure a top-four finish again.
Bringing in players like Tonali certainly helps, and whilst the Barella talk has quietened down, never say never with the £50 million star.
The post Craig Burley makes claim about Newcastle signing £50m star who's 'even better' than Tonali appeared first on HITC.
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