According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are interested in luring Newcastle target Mohammed Salisu away from the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, the £10.9m Southampton defender finds himself on Barcelona’s shortlist, as Xavi looks to bolster his backline at the Camp Nou.
It comes after Newcastle attempted to buy Salisu in January, and have continued to monitor the 23-year-old after failing to sign him.
Mundo Deportivo believe Pau Torres, Jules Kounde, Aymeric Laporte and Matthijs de Ligt also find themselves on Barcelona’s shortlist.
Now, this isn’t good news for Eddie Howe.
Barcelona are currently struggling financially, and Salisu is arguably the cheapest target on the shortlist when you look at the quality of the other options.
It’s no surprise to see those in Catalonia take a liking to the Ghanaian.
So far this season, Salisu has made 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal as he cements himself in the first-team under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Newcastle can fend off Barcelona
In our view, even with Barcelona lurking, Newcastle can win the race to sign Salisu this summer.
Following the Saudi Arabian takeover, the Magpies are now among the richest clubs on the planet, and could outbid Barcelona with ease.
Newcastle would also be able to offer Salisu an attractive salary package, as well as the opportunity to stay in England, where he is now settled.
Of course, Barcelona are Barcelona, and the chance to play at such an iconic stadium under someone like Xavi may be too difficult to resist.
Having said that, if it does come down to a financial battle, we believe Newcastle would sit firmly in the driving seat.
Salisu would also arrive with the approval of Alan Shearer under his belt – the Newcastle legend described the centre-back as “rock solid” earlier in the campaign.
Keep an eye on this saga, as anything could happen this summer.
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