Newcastle United offered Premier League winner who Pep Guardiola thinks is ‘so clever’

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Newcastle United have tried and failed to sign a centre-back during the January transfer window.

The Magpies are still searching for a right-sided centre-back after missing out on Marc Guehi during the summer. They turned their attention to Abdukodir Khuasnov in January, with the 20-year-old viewed as a cheaper alternative.

He was an exciting target, but Newcastle missed out on Khusanov to Manchester City.

The Uzbekistan international has joined Pep Guardiola’s side, although his agent has said that Newcastle were very close to signing Khusanov.

But close is not good enough, as the Magpies go back to the drawing board in their search for Fabian Schar’s long-term successor.

Newcastle United offered Barcelona’s Eric Garcia

With the January transfer window still open, an opportunity has presented itself.

That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Eric Garcia from Barcelona.

“Intermediaries are doing their business,” he said.

“There have been conflicting reports about Como, Girona, possibly even staying at Barcelona.

“He is probably one of around 50 players who have been offered to Newcastle this month. But clubs that need a centre-back are going to be offered these players.

“I think Newcastle are aware of him from previous scouting missions. He’s an interesting player. However, I’ve got no indication that Newcastle have even responded to being offered him.”

What Pep Guardiola said about Eric Garcia in 2020

Garcia does tick some boxes for Newcastle United. He is right-footed, only 24, and has Premier League experience from his time with Manchester City where he won the title.

The Spaniard got his chance at Man City thanks to Pep Guardiola, who always spoke highly of Garcia.

Back in 2020, Guardiola told Man City’s official website: “He’s just 18-years-old and has lots to learn, but he is so clever.”

But while Newcastle have been offered Garcia, it feels incredibly unlikely that he will be on his way to Tyneside.

He would not be the first player that the Magpies have said no to this month. Newcastle were also offered Takefusa Kubo, but opted against a £50million deal due to their PSR issues.