Newcastle United are maintaining interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta.

The Switzerland international has been a long-term target for Toon chief scout Graham Carr, though no offer has ever been tabled.

Kicker says Newcastle remain keen on Barnetta and now face competition from Napoli, where sports director Riccardo Bigon is also a big fan.

Bayer are prepared to sell the Swiss this summer for a fee of £7 million.