Newcastle ‘willing to pay’ clause for signing – Competitor cannot fight Howe’s side ‘in terms of money’

Newcastle United have been dragged into the mix in the chase for Sevilla’s Jules Koundé.

Today’s Mundo Deportivo has a report on Barcelona’s interest in the defender.

Xavi Hernández has let the club’s technical leaders and president, Joan Laporta, know of his desire to sign the 23-year-old.

The centre-back is ‘highly valued’ in the Premier League, and that’s when the report mentions Newcastle United, along with Chelsea.

Eddie Howe’s side are ‘willing to pay’ the €90m release clause for the ex-Bordeaux man, but he has stopped his potential move to England.

That’s because the France international wants to play at the Camp Nou and has informed his club. Mundo state this will force the two La Liga sides to find a formula for the transfer.

Barca are aware that Sevilla would be willing to sell Koundé for €65-70m, much less than his €90m clause. For now, the Catalan club’s financial conditions are an issue, and they will not be in a position to compete with Newcastle ‘in terms of money’. 

Mundo’s report stating Newcastle are willing to pay the player’s clause doesn’t make sense if his club are ready to accept a fee around €65-70m this summer.

In addition to this, Sevilla chief José María Cruz de Andrés told Sport Witness last week that Koundé is looking to leave them to play in a more competitive team.

It is unlikely that, for now, it would be Newcastle, at least, sporting wise.