French site Jeunes Footeux claim that Newcastle have seen a loan bid to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet rejected. The report claims the offer included a permanent £16million offer for the France international.
Lenglet, 26, has been on the fringes at Barcelona this season. The left-footed defender joined the Nou Camp side back in 2018 from Sevilla – and has since clocked up a huge 148 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona.
With Barcelona looking to get rid of some of their high-earning fringe players, Lenglet fits into that category. Philippe Coutinho has left to join Aston Villa on loan, and Samuel Umtiti has accepted a smaller wage.
Newcastle are desperate for a centre-back and have been linked with the likes of Sven Botman, Benoit Badiashile and Diego Carlos. But it appears they are still considering other options – including Lenglet.
First linked with the 15-time France ace in December, Lenglet remains a target for Newcastle. Jeunes Footeux say Newcastle have made a loan offer with an obligatory £16million purchase – but it has been rejected.
Lenglet to Newcastle: Barcelona star would be a sensational signing
One to visit later in the window. Lenglet remains a key part of Xavi’s side, even if he does not start every match. But over the next fortnight, Lenglet is likely to seek assurances as we enter the second half of the season.
The chances are that he will remain a bit-part player, and that could well tempt Lenglet to consider a move. There are likely to be better-positioned clubs in the race for the left-footed centre-back.
But the lure of a permanent, well-paid move to Newcastle is tempting. What might be more tempting, is a clause that only becomes active if Newcastle stay up – saving Lenglet from joining even if Newcastle are relegated.
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