Newcastle United won’t be signing Rayo Vallecano ace Fran Garcia as he prepares to make a big move back to former club Real Madrid.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the documents are ready as Rayo and Real finalise all paperwork for a summer deal.
Romano claims that Real will activate their buy-back clause on Garcia, which stands at just €10million (£8.9million).
Real had a 50% sell-on clause in the deal though, which means they will only actually end up paying €5million (£4.45million) for the left back.
That means Newcastle United will now miss out on Garcia’s signature as he prepares to sign a five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Reports from the Daily Mail in December suggested that Newcastle were eyeing up a move for Garcia during the January transfer window.
Nothing materialised from Newcastle during the January window, but that may be because of Real’s buy-back clause hanging over Garcia’s head.
Having spent eight years in the Real ranks, a move back to Los Blancos was probably the top priority for Garcia and he now gets the move of his dreams, providing competition for Ferland Mendy.
Don’t be surprised if Newcastle go for another left back after missing out on Fran Garcia
Newcastle can cross Garcia off their summer transfer wish list but their interest in the first place is fascinating enough.
The Magpies signed not one but two left backs in 2022.
Dan Burn arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion with Matt Targett arriving on loan from Aston Villa, which eventually became permanent.
Both players have featured this season but it would be understandable if Newcastle want to land their left back of the future.
Garcia, a player with real potential at 23, could have fit the bill for Newcastle but he is no longer available.
Newcastle are likely to go for a player of a similar profile this summer, though likely more expensive than the bargain Garcia.
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