An update has emerged on Newcastle United's interest in Hellas Verona attacking midfielder Antonin Barak...

What's the talk?

According to L'Arena, via Tutto Hellas Verona, the Magpies are interested in a deal to sign the Serie A midfielder in the January transfer window.

The report claims that West Ham are also showing an interest in the Czech international, with the Italian side wanting £21m (€25m) for his services.

Imagine him & Willock

Eddie Howe must land Barak in January as he could help Newcastle secure a dream midfield with the Verona beast playing alongside summer signing Joe Willock.

Barak is a box-to-box midfielder who can play in a typical number eight role or in the hole as a number 10, with the ability to score and create goals in the final third. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.05 for Verona in the Serie A this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Last term, he produced seven goals and three assists on loan with the club, whilst also winning 4.2 duels per game for his side, averaging a rating of 6.91. He then signed permanently and has continued his fine form, attracting interest from Newcastle.

Juventus and Czech Republic legend Pavel Nedved previously hailed Barak and claimed that he had the ability to play at a higher level than Udinese, prior to his move to Hellas Verona. He said:

“If we talk about Czech talents, we do not have to try a lot. Udinese has Barak and Jankto, two I like. They are doing well, but I think they can play at a higher level."

He could form a dream partnership with Joe Willock for the Magpies, as the former Arsenal man is similar in his box-to-box style. Willock scored eight goals and made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game for Newcastle in the Premier League last season, showing that he also has the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

This means that Howe could have a midfield duo capable of covering ground defensively and contributing in the final third when they break forward to support the attack. Therefore, the pair could provide a balance to the midfield and form a platform upon which Newcastle can build their attacks and stop the opposition.

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