Report: West Ham and Newcastle want Czech star shining in Serie A, £17m needed

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Italian website L’Arena claim Newcastle and West Ham are both battling to sign Hellas Verona and Czech Republic midfielder Antonin Barak – after a sparkling start to the 2021-22 campaign.

Barak, 27, has starred for Verona ever since joining the club initially on loan for the 20-21 season. During his initial loan, the 28-time Czech Republic international had a hand in 11 goals, scoring seven and creating four.

His form has gone up a notch following a permanent deal in the summer, after helping Verona finish in a lofty 10th. In 15 league appearances, he has five goals and three assists – including goals against Milan and Roma.

Newcastle and West Ham have caught wind of the midfielder – especially with the Hammers already boasting Czech stars Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral. Barak has an asking price of £17million.

The two Premier League clubs, though, could face competition from Italy – with Milan and Inter interested. German club Mainz are also looking to bring in the midfielder in January.

Newcastle and West Ham eye Barak: Midfielder a bargain at £17m

The question is, which of the two Premier League clubs does he suit best? Newcastle need a goalscoring midfielder like him more so, but he would probably prefer to move to the London Stadium.

Not just because of the two club’s league positions. But because Barak would have his international teammates alongside in London – will West Ham sign another midfielder in the January window?

Probably not. Newcastle look much more likely, as things stand, to go and spend money on a midfielder in the coming weeks. But plenty can change between now and January.