Sources: Newcastle pursuit of Bo Hegland takes new twist

Newcastle United are competing with Barcelona in the race to sign Norway sensation Bo Hegland, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old has shone in the Swedish Allsvenskan with Djurgarden, where he has registered 14 assists and eight goals in 21 appearances so far this season.

Those performances have attracted high-profile suitors for the midfielder, with Newcastle among those having registered their interest during the summer transfer window.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Barcelona have now joined the race for Hegland and have had scouts present at his recent games.

Despite missing out on a move during the summer transfer window, a January switch is considered more likely following the end of the Swedish league season.

Hegland recently confessed he was not interested in a move away during the summer, which came as a blow to Newcastle, but may have opened the door to a future move.

Could Newcastle make a move to sign Bo Hegland?

Football Insider revealed on 18 September that Newcastle are planning to reignite their interest in Hegland when the January transfer window opens after his confession.

As they continue to assess their squad and key areas for improvement, the midfield remains a priority, and Hegland is being eyed as a target ahead of the January window.

However, emerging interest from Barcelona could complicate the Magpies' pursuit, with the Spanish giants emerging as front-runners for the midfielder's signature.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If the player is saying that a move could possibly happen in January, I'm sure that will pique Newcastle's interest in Hegland.

"They looked at him in the summer as they looked to reshape their midfield, having lost a number of top players.

"It's not just Newcastle who I'm sure are keeping tabs on him, though, because there's been talk that Barcelona have been sending scouts to watch him as well.

"That is a sign of how talented the player is, there are a number of top European clubs looking at him, so any deal might be difficult to do.

"He would tick a lot of boxes for Newcastle and they might have to act fast if they don't want to see rival clubs maybe steal a march of them for the pursuit of the midfielder."

Which other January moves are being eyed at Newcastle?

Despite having only recently seen the summer transfer window end, preparations are already being put in place for the mid-season window behind the scenes.

Hegland is not the only player being targeted by Newcastle for 2027, with the club still keen to invest in a number of key positions after a difficult summer window.

Meanwhile, they are also keen to keep hold of their best players, as former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Lewis Hall is set to stay at Newcastle.

The 22-year-old was a leading target for Michael Carrick's side during the transfer window, but they ultimately missed out due to Newcastle's reluctance to sell.

Since then, he has put pen to paper on a new contract, dashing any hopes Man United had of doing a deal in 2027, and providing a huge boost to the Magpies.