Newcastle transfer news: Toon-linked Lenglet and Umtiti both set to leave Barcelona

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Newcastle United will be in the market for new central defenders this summer.

Ideally the club will retain its Premier League status, and be in a position to lure players of top quality.

The club wanted to do that in January. However, clubs were reluctant to let their players leave for anything less than top dollar, and some players weren’t keen to make the move due to Newcastle’s position in the table.

In the end, Dan Burn was the only new centre-back signing.

It’s going to be fascinating to see who Newcastle go after this summer.

Sven Botman is probably going to be the first port of call. But Newcastle will need a couple of others at least.

It will be interesting to see if the club look to make moves for Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet.

There are reports at the moment that Barcelona will be moving both of those players on in the summer.

Mundo Deportivo claim Xavi is ready to ship out the duo, with Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta to come in as their replacements on free transfers.

Mundo also add that Lenglet has already been the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs.

Lenglet was first linked with Newcastle shortly after the completion of the takeover. Jeunes Footeux also claimed in January that Newcastle saw a loan bid with obligation turned down.

Umtiti was linked with the Magpies just before the January window opened.

Lenglet is worth consideration by Newcastle, as Barcelona prepare to replace him and Umtiti

So it seems Barcelona are ready to shake things up this summer.

Christensen and Azpilicueta both appear set to make moves to the Nou Camp as free agents, meaning there will be very little chance for Lenglet and Umtiti to play.

Perhaps there will be a chance for Newcastle to get involved.

Lenglet is probably the player they should be targeting, if any.

Umtiti’s injury record means he would be a big risk. Lenglet has also had some injury problems this season, but his record throughout his career has generally been quite good.