Newcastle United are preparing to make Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic their first big signing of their new era.

Brozovic is out of contract at the San Siro in the summer and the Magpies could make an approach as soon as January.

The 2018 World Cup semi-finalist would prefer to stay in Milan, where his family are settled, but could be tempted by a lucrative move to St. James' Park.

He has been with the Nerrazzuri for almost seven years and played a vital part in helping them win the Scudetto last season for the first time in eleven years.

Brozovic wants a new deal worth around £5m-a-year, but Inter are reluctant to go beyond £4.2m at present, opening the door for Newcastle to swoop in, says The Sun.