Spanish newspaper SPORT claim Newcastle United are in ‘pole position’ to sign Barcelona striker Memphis Depay with Tottenham also said to be interested in the Dutchman – amid rumours that the Toon have actually tabled an offer.
Depay, 28, is out of contract at Barcelona at the end of the season after penning a two-year deal at the Nou Camp in 2021. It means from January 1, he can talk to non-Spanish sides about a free transfer on a pre-contract arrangement.
Newcastle and Tottenham could sign him for nothing, then. But, they would have to wait until the summer to get him. Instead, they could try to convince Barcelona into a sale in January – but for what would be a cut-price offer.
Mundo Deportivo report this week that Newcastle have put £17.5million on the table for Depay. An offer which seems unlikely given his contract situation. The Mail claim Tottenham are keeping tabs after being offer the Barca star.
Now, SPORT claim Eddie Howe’s side are in pole position to sign him with the Premier League his most-likely landing spot if he does leave. But the expectation is, that Barcelona keep him. He has 14 goals and two assists in 41 games.
Newcastle in pole position to sign Depay, Tottenham also keen
Do Newcastle even need another striker? Alex Isak remains injured but why sign a Depay, when he will return during the second half of the season? Callum Wilson is fit and firing – while Chris Wood offers Newcastle a plan B.
They have three strikers and while all three have their injury issues, you would say it is unlikely Newcastle look to sign a new forward. That is of course, as long as they do not sell Wood. Even if they did, Depay is hardly one they’d want.
Depay himself has massive injury issues. A previous ACL injury and only managing three appearances for Barcelona this season is down to a lack of fitness. Newcastle do not need him. In fact, Tottenham do more so, as cover for Harry Kane.
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