Sources: Newcastle United open preliminary talks to sign Memphis Depay
Newcastle United are in preliminary talks to sign Barcelona star Memphis Depay, sources have told Football Insider.
The north-east giants have turned their attention to landing the Holland international, 28, this month due to the injury sustained by top forward target Christian Pulisic.
It is believed that Newcastle have discussed taking Depay on loan for the rest of the season.
Eddie Howe's side face competition to land Depay, including from his former club PSV Eindhoven in Holland.
The Dutch giants want a replacement for Cody Gakpo, who joined Liverpool in an initial £37million deal earlier this month.
Barcelona are yet to make a decision on Depay but it is understood they are open to a loan move for the player, who has barely figured this season after an impressive debut campaign.
Newcastle want to recruit a top-class forward this month who they believe can slot straight into Howe's team.
The Magpies manager wants further competition for places up front and has sanctioned the pursuit of Depay, who has mainly played centre-forward in recent times.
He has a contract at Camp Nou that runs until the summer of 2023, after joining on a two-year deal in the summer of 2021.
The potential deal for Pulisic is now on the backburner until the summer.
Depay scored 13 goals in 36 matches for Barca last season and has an impressive track record at Lyon, PSV Eindhoven and Man United as well as the Holland national team.
He has made just four appearances for his club this term, partly due to a thigh injury, but is now fully fit and available for selection.