Newcastle United appear to have missed out on Franck Kessie, who has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona.
According to Sport, the Ivory Coast international reached a definitive agreement with the Catalan giants on Monday.
If it comes to fruition, he will sign for them as a free agent, with his contract with AC Milan expiring at the end of the season.
Kessie had previously been linked with a move to Newcastle.
La Repubblica had reported the Magpies had interest in the midfield dynamo.
But it seems the lure of Barca is too great, and Newcastle will now have to look at alternatives.
Given Barca’s well documented financial problems, it is a really good deal for them. La Repubblica report that Kessie’s actual value is around €48 million (£41 million).
Newcastle are missing out on a fantastic deal as Franck Kessie reportedly agrees Barcelona switch
This is not the best news.
Kessie is a quality player, who would potentially really suit English football.
Good, all-round midfielders can be quite hard to come by. All-round midfielders with international pedigree and available to sign for free are even more rare.
Nothing is set in stone. Newcastle could well come in and trump Barcelona financially. But it does seem as though Kessie has his sights set on the Nou Camp.
Perhaps the player sees potential in Barca under Xavi to get back to the top of tree.
They have improved a lot since he came in as manager and obviously, they remain an absolutely massive club despite their troubles in recent times.
If Kessie does join Barca as expected it will be a shame for Newcastle.
He would be another brilliant midfield option for Eddie Howe, who has had a remarkable impact on Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock and Joelinton.
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