Newcastle United are willing to offer Marcelo Brozovic 'crazy money' to lure him to Tyneside, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown

The 28-year-old is thought to be earning £106,000 per week under his current deal at Inter Milan. For context, Newcastle's highest-paid player at present is reportedly £86.5k-per-week frontman Joelinton.

Crucially, Brozovic's contract is up at the end of the current season, so if Inter can't agree fresh terms, they'll either have to cash in during January or allow him to walk away for free next summer.

The Croatian showed his class with a strong performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage in September. SofaScore rated him as the Nerazzurri's best player after he played 99 accurate passes (including seven out of nine long balls), won three out of his five ground duels and chipped in with four clearances and two tackles.

The latest

Newcastle appear to be desperate to sign Brozovic, with The Athletic's report suggesting that a 'crazy' contract may be tabled.

However, that interest isn't reciprocated by the player, who is especially hesitant to join the Magpies midway through the season given the looming spectre of a relegation battle.

The verdict

Herein lies the problem for Newcastle United. They may be one of the wealthiest clubs in the world now, but they could struggle to attract top talent for as long as they remain in the lower reaches of the Premier League.

Brozovic has started every single Serie A match for reigning champions Inter this season and helped the Nerazzurri to book their place in the Champions League round of 16. Why would he want to swap those circumstances for a relegation battle?

What's more, if he does end up leaving in the summer, you'd imagine that this World Cup finalist and seasoned Champions League operator would be able to pick a club who have already established themselves in European competition.

In other news, Lee Ryder talks up Newcastle links with this Premier League ace