Newcastle United to pose ‘great threat’ to La Liga giants amid links with former Chelsea star

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make ‘a big play’ to secure the services of a former Premier League star that is currently helping Barcelona move closer to the La Liga title

Just under 12 months have passed since Denmark international Andreas Christensen swapped life with Chelsea for a spell at the Nou Camp after agreeing a four-year deal to join the Catalan giants on a free transfer. The 26-year-old has gone on to play a key role in his side’s push for their first La Liga title since 2019 after making 16 appearances, including 12 starts in their last 14 games.

Christensen drew praise from Barca manager Xavi following an ‘extraordinary’ performance in what has proved to be a crucial 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid as the former World Cup winner hit out at accusations he had signed ‘the substitute’ following Antonio Rudiger’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid last summer.

He said: “Today we had three defenders that are great coming out with the ball. We knew how to suffer and we won three golden points. We're candidates to win the league title. These three points give us tremendous morale and confidence in what lies ahead. Surely the signing of Christensen has been the less highlighted, but he has been extraordinary. I remember when people said that Real Madrid signed Chelsea's starting centre back and we signed the substitute.”

However, with Barcelona’s financial situation continuing to cause concern, Spanish outlet Sport have claimed the Camp Nou club will have to sell a number of their stars this summer and have suggested Newcastle are ‘a great danger’ to their hopes of retaining the services of the former Chelsea centre-back.

The report also states Christensen has ‘no intention of leaving’, despite the pending arrival of Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez - but have also revealed an offer of around £44m could persuade Barca to hand the Dane an opportunity to return to the Premier League with the Magpies.