Newcastle United’s squad balance in 2025 shows strength in certain positions, while other areas remain noticeably thin.

Take central defence, for instance, currently filled with quality: Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw are all capable starters against Liverpool if fit.

Yet in Eddie Howe’s view, numbers are short in midfield. We have Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, with Jacob Ramsey set to arrive, but Joe Willock remains out injured and Sean Longstaff has departed, while Lewis Miley has been linked with a loan switch this weekend.

When fully fit there are choices, but lessons must be learned from two years ago, as fresh stories from Italy suggest we’re targeting Serie A once again for reinforcements.

As per Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Newcastle are expressing strong interest in Inter Milan and Italy international Davide Frattesi.

Frattesi only made his move to Inter permanent last year, scoring 7 goals in 47 games across all competitions as they finished 2nd in Serie A and reached the Champions League final.

Reports state an initial approach from Tyneside has been rejected by the Nerazzurri, though the outlet is “not ruling out” another push from us to sign the 25-year-old.

Frattesi became well-known for his decisive strike in their thrilling Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, but recently had abdominal surgery and has missed much of pre-season action.

That is far from perfect, but it’s still a tempting link considering his box-to-box energy on the right, European pedigree, scoring potential and his representation by the same agent as Italy teammate Sandro Tonali.

Eddie Howe made it clear after Sean Longstaff’s sale that he wanted six midfield options to rely on throughout the season.

With the main trio plus new boy Jacob Ramsey, two roles remain open. Naturally, it would seem Joe Willock and Lewis Miley were meant to cover these places.

Still, with talk of a Championship loan spell for Miley, and Willock again struggling with injury, it appears a trustworthy rotation player is required sooner rather than later.

It wouldn’t shock many if Miley left for the year to gain first-team football, and Willock moved on in either January or next summer, freeing up both space and money to secure a midfield addition like Frattesi.