Barcelona have held an interest in Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic for quite some time now. However, the Blaugrana could be staring at the possibility of missing out on the Croatian international as Newcastle United are plotting to swoop him away in the summer.
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Newcastle United are ready to offer a transfer fee of €35 million to Inter Milan to acquire the services of Brozovic before the start of the next season.
Barcelona were keen on signing Brozovic during the January transfer window and there was a lot of chatter about a player-exchange deal with Inter involving the Croatian and Franck Kessie. However, that did not lead to anything, and both players stayed put at their respective clubs.
But, recent reports had indicated that Barça and Inter were considering rekindling talks about the swap deal involving Kessie and Brozovic.
This was reported soon after Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio had visited Barcelona’s offices earlier this month and held a meeting with senior officials. While there were no formal talks about the operation, both parties were said to be considering reviving it this summer.
However, those plans might have to take a backseat now as Newcastle United are prepared to offer €35 million for Brozovic, a figure which could convince Inter Milan to part ways with their midfield mainstay.
As for Barcelona, as they wait for clarity on their Financial Fair Play situation, they are not willing to pay such a high sum for Brozovic and also have other priority targets on their agenda at the moment. So, they could decide to shelve any plans to sign the Croatian international.
