Lionel Messi key in £50m Newcastle United transfer bid as Magpies fail in move for Rangers youngster

Argentina legend Lionel Messi could prove to be pivotal in Newcastle United’s bid to add to their squad this summer.

Football Insider have claimed the man many believe is the greatest player of all-time could unwittingly help the Magpies land a key summer target. Barcelona are keen to take Messi back to the Camp Nou just two years after he made an emotional exit before signing for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Talks over extending his time at the Parc des Princes have yet to come to a successful conclusion and a reported move to MLS side Inter Miami failed to come to fruition. That has led Barcelona to explore the possibility of taking Messi back to the club - but their financial situation means they will have to sell a key player before that move can even be taken into consideration. A number of players are believed to be available and reported Newcastle target Raphinha is reportedly at the ‘top of the list’ of possible departures. The Magpies are said to have ‘been made aware’ of the former Leeds United star’s availability and have been told Barca are open to offers between £50m and £60m.

Magpies miss out on Rangers prospect

Newcastle have reportedly been rebuffed in their attempts to add to their academy ranks with the signing of Rangers youngster Calum Adamson.

The Magpies have been working hard to strengthen their youth setup over the last 12 months with the likes of Kilmarnock defender Charlie McArthur and East Fife goalkeeper Jude Smith both arriving from north of the border. The Daily Record have now claimed the Magpies and Premier League rivals Crystal Palace have shown an interest in Rangers prospect Adamson and were willing to offer a professional deal to the 15-year-old. However, the Scottish giants will warn off interest after they persuaded the Scotland youth international to put pen-to-paper on a pro contract this summer.

Adamson has already made three appearances for Scotland Under-16s and they came against Denmark, England and Cyprus earlier this year. His progress has been keenly monitored by a number of Premier League clubs but it is believed the pathway from academy to first-team at Ibrox has played a part in his decision to remain with Rangers.

Adamson is not the first Rangers youngster linked with a move to Tyneside in recent months after United were said to be showing an interest in midfielder Alex Lowry and centre-back Leon King, both of whom are now part of the senior setup at Ibrox.