Sources: Lionel Messi opens door for Newcastle to sign Barcelona star in £60m deal
Newcastle United have registered interest in signing Barcelona star Raphinha this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Spanish giants are keen to bring Lionel Messi back to the Nou Camp, but their current financial problems mean that they need to raise funds in order to complete the move.
Barcelona are ready to offload a handful of players this summer to sign Messi from Paris Saint-Germain, and Raphinha has been pushed to the top of the departures list.
Newcastle have been alerted by Raphinha‘s sudden availability, and they are prepared to table a bid for the 26-year-old this summer.
It is understood that Barcelona are open to offers between £50-60million for Raphinha, with the La Liga leaders keen to recoup the £55million fee they paid to Leeds United last summer.
Raphinha is happy and settled at Camp Nou, but is aware of the club’s financial problems and will accept a move away if forced out of the club.
He would prefer a move to a club with Champions League football, and with Newcastle on track to qualify for Europe this season, they now consider a move a very realistic option.
A new winger is not considered a top priority for Newcastle in the transfer market, but Eddie Howe is a huge admirer of Raphinha’s quality and believes the chance to sign him is too good to turn down.
The Brazil international is viewed as a direct upgrade to the Newcastle starting XI.
Raphinha has been a key part of Barcelona’s first team this season, scoring nine goals and assisting 10 times across all competitions.
In other news, Newcastle United plot revealed as ‘£80m’ outlay on the cards