As we edge ever closer to the opening of the summer transfer window, there are yet more developments on the raft of players linked with Newcastle United.
One of the major names on that front is Barcelona winger Raphinha.
The Brazilian, an international teammate of Bruno Guimaraes and soon to be one of Joelinton’s too, was even been described as Eddie Howe’s dream signing last summer.
Despite only leaving Leeds for the Camp Nou last summer, the 26-year-old has consistently been touted as a major target at Newcastle ahead of their Champions League campaign.
Now, there has been a fresh development.
Report names exactly how much Barcelona are demanding for Raphinha
Barca, despite their La Liga title win, are again said to be dealing with financial uncertainty.
According to Spanish outlet COPE, they could look to sell some of their title-winning squad in order to finance deals of their own.
Raphinha could be one of them.
The report now suggests Barca would demand 70 million euros, roughly £60m, for the Brazil star this summer.
Newcastle could do with looking elsewhere
While few would doubt Raphinha – described as “magic” during his stint with a Leeds team battling relegation – would be a high-profile addition, Newcastle could surely do with looking elsewhere.
Already, the Brazil star has hit out at suggestions he would be leaving the Camp Nou after just a year and has made his desire to stay in the Catalan capital very clear.
Newcastle can offer potential recruits so much this summer. Quite why they would waste time pursuing a player who does not appear to want to come is unclear.
The success of Howe’s side has been built on players who actually want to represent the club on their upward trajectory. There is little point in trying to change that this early on in the process.
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