Barcelona are now inching closer and closer to an agreement with AC Milan star Franck Kessie with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur waiting in the background.
That’s according to Tuttomercatoweb, who claim that Kessie is set to say goodbye to Milan at the end of the season.
Out of contract this summer, Kessie has become one of the most in-demand contract rebels in Europe.
It’s suggested that sources Spain are ‘almost certain’ that Kessie will be picking Barcelona as his new club.
There is no agreement just yet, but Barcelona are getting closer and closer.
Barcelona are offering €6.5million (£125,000-a-week), but Kessie has responded by demanding £150,000-a-week and a bigger signing-on fee.
That’s very close to a deal now, and there are expected to be more talks in the coming days to try and bridge the gap.
The report does note that Tottenham and Newcastle are both waiting in the wings if Barcelona don’t get a deal done.
Kessie has been linked with Tottenham for a long time now, with Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte no doubt aware of his immense quality in Italy.
Newcastle are a major threat too given that they will be splashing the PIF cash if they secure their Premier League status.
The Ivorian is a true box-to-box midfielder and has been branded ‘very special’ by BBC pundit Pat Nevin.
Kessie looks perfect for Premier League football, and that’s ultimately why both Newcastle and Tottenham are keen to sign him for nothing.
Barcelona appear to be leading the race though, which actually says quite a lot.
Barcelona’s financial problems have been well-documented and yet their name value still positions them ahead of Tottenham and Newcastle in this transfer race.
Tottenham and Newcastle may hope for good news over Kessie soon, but it currently sounds like they will need to look elsewhere this summer.
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