Newcastle United ‘want’ player – Magpies offer was in months ago, rivals to Barcelona

Newcastle United are in the picture to sign Sevilla star Jules Koundé in the next window.

The defender had opportunities to leave the La Liga side in the last two summer windows, but the offers received didn’t end up convincing his employer.

Barcelona have identified him as a target for the upcoming window, but they are not alone as Newcastle United have emerged as their ‘rival’ in the chase for the 23-year-old.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who add Xavi Hernández, his coaching staff and the club’s sporting leaders ‘really like’ the centre-back. However, his €90m release clause is the ‘big obstacle’ for the Catalan club.

Barcelona ‘cannot even consider buying’ the France international for €90m. The only way they can take him is by offering some of their own players as part of the deal. Their intention is to offer Sergiño Dest and Clement Lenglet to Sevilla.

While Xavi’s side are waiting to balance their books and to find out if Sevilla will accept the players in part-exchange for Koundé, they have to face competition from the Magpies. 

According to the claims, Newcastle United already tried to take the ex-Bordeaux man and ‘offered’ €70m for him in January.

However, Sevilla weren’t keen.

Despite January’s disappointment, Eddie Howe’s side still ‘want’ Koundé. This time, they’re a ‘rival’ to Barcelona.

Sevilla, for their part, have ‘promised to sell’ the player, if they receive a convincing offer in the summer.