Reported Newcastle United transfer target Ousmane Dembele registered his first goalscoring contribution of the season in Barcelona’s 3-2 win against Elche.
The Frenchman set up the Catalan giants’ opener at the Nou Camp via a corner, which was headed home by Ferran Jutgla.
Making his third straight start, the 24-year-old completed the full match for the first time this season, which will be a huge relief for Barcelona boss Xavi.
Away from his performances on the pitch, football journalist Fabrizio Romano has relayed that Barcelona director Mateu Alemany believes the World Cup winner wants to stay at the Europa League side.
Romano also revealed that Alemany hopes to resolve Dembele’s contract situation by the end of the year.
Ousmane Dembele boost for Barcelona – blow for Newcastle
With his contract expiring in June, Dembele and his representatives will be able to discuss terms regarding a free transfer in the summer with European clubs, as early as the New Year.
Foot Mercato claimed that the Magpies had opened talks to sign the star. Goal also said that Dembele would be open to a move to St. James’ Park.
But it seems following Romano’s latest update that the pendulum may be swinging towards Dembele staying at the troubled La Liga giants.
If the former Borussia Dortmund man, who was signed in a deal that could rise up to £135.5m (BBC Sport) in 2017, can stay fit, then he has the ability to improve any team.
Signing the explosive winger in January was never going to be a realistic option for the Toon Army, but if Dembele does put pen-to-paper with Barcelona, then PIF would probably have to pay the Catalans what they paid Dortmund, to bring Dembele to England.
However, if Dembele’s contract talks with Barcelona continue to be drawn out into the New Year, then Newcastle will still have the opportunity to offer an enticing lucrative summer package, but everything will ride on whether we beat the drop.
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