Report: Inter close to finalizing €45M deal for Cagliari's Barella

Inter reached an agreement with Cagliari on Monday to sign young Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella for €45 million, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Barella would become the second-most expensive signing in club history after Christian Vieri, who joined the Nerazzurri from Lazio in 1999 for an estimated €49 million

Despite Roma's late advances, the 22-year-old reportedly lobbied for a move to Inter, where he'd have the privilege of playing Champions League football in the upcoming season.

Barella came through Cagliari's academy and established himself as a tough-tackling and energetic midfielder in Sardinia over the past three seasons.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini took notice and thrust Barella into the starting lineup. He's made seven appearances for the national team thus far.

Antonio Conte's side has already made three marquee acquisitions this summer, signing Diego Godin on a free transfer, Stefano Sensi on loan with an option to buy, and Valentino Lazaro for a reported €22 million.