According to ESPN, Xavi is interested in bringing Timo Werner to Barcelona, a player who Newcastle are also said to be monitoring.
What’s the story?
Well, ESPN believe Xavi is hoping to add quality width to his attack, and his intentions could prove to be a thorn in Newcastle’s side.
It is said that Barcelona have already made contact with Chelsea to enquire about Werner’s situation, as he struggles for game time under Thomas Tuchel.
The £45m man has only made seven starts this season, and was left on the bench for the 3-0 win over Leicester on Saturday.
ESPN claim that Barcelona have also enquired about another Chelsea player struggling for action right now – Hakim Ziyech.
Chelsea’s stance on Werner’s future is not made clear by ESPN.
However, given his lack of game time, you could presume that Tuchel would listen to offers if some attractive bids arrived.
Newcastle may struggle to sign Timo Werner now
Despite Amanda Staveley and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) arriving on Tyneside with their £320bn, ESPN‘s news may see Newcastle struggle to land Werner.
Look at it this way.
Would a 47-cap Germany international prefer to join a side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table without a win to their name, or link up with a legend like Xavi at the Camp Nou?
If Werner ends up at St James’ Park, it would surely only be down to the fact PIF have offered him a quite ridiculous salary, in our view.
Of course, Newcastle are a massive club, don’t get us wrong.
However, as things stand, the situation on Tyneside is not one that a £45m player in his prime would willingly enter.
If Eddie Howe can keep the Magpies in the Premier League, then there’s no reason why this deal can’t happen in the summer if Werner is still at Chelsea.
For now, though, Barcelona’s interest will surely make it more difficult for Newcastle to get their hands on the Chelsea No.11 this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
