Newcastle ready to offer Barcelona club-record deal for former Prem star as huge offer for Juventus star is also prepped
Newcastle United are reportedly looking to secure a thrilling double deal that will elevate Eddie Howe’s side on to the next level.
The Magpies are enjoying an excellent season under Howe’s guidance, though signs of late show they are just running out of steam. Indeed, having lost in the Carabao Cup final, they now are now winless in their last five games. And having scored just twice in that time, they have now slipped down to sixth in the table.
They do, however, still hope to qualify for European competition next season. And that would represent an excellent season all the same for the Tynesiders.
Howe, though, is all too aware that his side need additional quality if they are to make further improvements next season.
And according to multiple reports, planning for the summer window is already underway.
And it seems the Magpies have their eyes on two ambitious signings to kickstart those plans.
First up, Newcastle are reportedly looking to tempt Barcelona into the sale of Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger only moved to the Nou Camp last summer following a prolonged chase from Leeds. And while he has taken time to find his feet, Raphinha has managed six goals and seven assists in 32 games.
Nonetheless, Barcelona are still struggling financially and will be forced to cash in on some players this summer. And with Xavi well blessed for forward options, one of Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele or Ansu Fati may well be sold.
To try and beat the crowd, El Desmarque reports that Newcastle are ready to offer Barcelona their money back on Raphinha.
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Newcastle ready club-record deal for Raphinha
They spent around £55m to prise him from Leeds. And a bid to offert the Blaugrana their money back may well tempt them into a sale.
Should Barcelona accept, that would amount for a club-record deal for the Magpies.
However, he is not the only big-name star on their radar either.
And 90min report that Newcastle are ready to make a huge offer to tempt Juventus star Adrien Rabiot to the North-East.
The France midfielder falls out of contract this summer and is very much a man in demand. To that end, the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham are all reportedly on his trail.
But reports claim the first concrete proposal to land with his mother and agent Veronique will be from Newcastle.
Rabiot is reportedly seeking a pay-rise on his current £140,000 a week deal, which would certainly stretch Newcastle. However, they could look to compensate for that – and in lieu of a transfer fee – by offering Rabiot a significant signing-on fee.
Rabiot open to Premier League return
The 27-year-old is open to returning to England, having previously had a brief spell with Manchester City.
“I feel attracted by the football, by the Premier League itself and its super competitive nature,” he said.
“I loved my time there [at Man City] even if I was young. And I liked the culture and the life; my family liked it too.
“I am not indifferent to playing in England, but there will be many options to consider.”
Rabiot, though, is thought to be keen on signing for a club who can offer Champions League football. And it remains to be seen if he will move to Tyneside if they are unable to offer that next season.
