Newcastle United are in talks to sign Barcelona wide man Ousmane Dembele as they attempt to secure a five-year deal in January.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who claim that Dembele is also wanted by Manchester City.
Newcastle are looking to sign Dembele to a five-year contract worth €15million-a-year – which works out to around £245,000-a-week.
That’s a pay rise on what Dembele earns at Barcelona, with Newcastle chasing a massive signing.
Dembele would also be expecting a €15million (£12.7million) signing-on fee, with the transfer fee a potential bargain.
Dembele is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning there could be a cut-price deal in January.
Newcastle target Dembele has lost his way
It’s pretty clear that Dembele needs a fresh start having lost his way at Barcelona.
Dembele completed a £135.5million move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017, but injuries have limited his impact.
Lionel Messi branded him ‘frightening’ due to his pace, but the 24-year-old has recorded just 30 goals and 21 in 118 games for Barcelona.
The Frenchman could form a superb wing combination with compatriot Allan Saint-Maximin, akin to the dream of FIFA Ultimate Team players.
This seems like an ambitious first signing for Newcastle’s new owners to chase, and we would understand some scepticism here as Dembele would be trading the Camp Nou for what looks like a relegation battle.
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