‘Here we go’ - Fabrizio Romano confirms £21m deal for Newcastle United target
Newcastle United are targeting a young goalkeeper this summer but one target is heading to Barcelona.
Newcastle United are set to miss out on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia with a move to Barcelona imminent.
The Magpies are understood to have watched the 24-year-old as they search for a new goalkeeper. Garcia enjoyed a breakout campaign at Espanyol despite them finishing 14th in La Liga.
Newcastle were aware of a £21million release clause in the keeper’s contract but never made a concrete offer. He is now expected to cross the divide and join inter-city rivals Barcelona.
‘Here we go!’ Fabrizio Romano
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Catalan giants are set to trigger the release clause and make Garcia their first summer signing. He posted on social media: “Joan Garcia to Barcelona, here we go! Documents are now in place with Spanish GK.
“Release clause to be paid in the next days, could happen next week but all contracts are now ready. Joan Garcaa will sign a five-year deal at Barca, all set.”
Newcastle United goalkeeping conundrum
Since talk about a move for Garcia dried up, Newcastle have pursued a move for No.1 target James Trafford. The Magpies came close to signing the England under-21 goalkeeper last summer as personal terms were agreed.
However, concerns about PSR and the unexpected arrival of Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos put a stop to the deal. Toon chiefs have begun negotiations with Burnley but are not willing to be held to ransom.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that Burnley are looking for £40million - a figure deemed unreasonable by Newcastle. Trafford remains keen on the move but the saga could rumble over the summer as both parties work on a compromise.
James Trafford drops Newcastle United hint
“Last summer, I wanted to move because the club I was close to going to was a good fit for me at the time. It was brilliant for me, I really believed in it and I really wanted the move.
“Not because I didn't want to play in the Championship, I had no shame or no ego to be like 'I'm better than Championship'. You only prove you're better than something by performing and showing people. It was just when the opportunity and a situation you believe suits you can happen, you should take it and you should go for it.
“So I wanted to move and it was close but it didn't end up happening. The manager (Scott Parker) was brilliant with me throughout pre-season because I was obviously moody because I wanted to move.”