£30m Brazilian ‘offered’ to Newcastle United amid Premier League interest

Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Roma central defender Roger Ibanez.

The Serie A club are open to selling the Brazil international this summer for £30million. There is Premier League interest from Fulham, as reported by i News, while Ibanez has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.

Ibanez has been a consistent performer for Roma, making 149 appearances since joining from Atalanta two years ago. However, his error in last season’s Rome derby versus Lazio has damaged his reputation among the locals.

The Magpies showed an interest in the 24-year-old earlier this year and as a result have been contacted this summer. United, however, are unlikely to act as they focus their attention elsewhere.

Negotiations are ongoing with Leicester City over a fee and structure of payments to sign Harvey Barnes. The winger is reportedly valued at £40m and it’s NewcastleWorld’s understanding that Barnes is extremely keen on a move to St James’ Park.

Newcastle signed Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for £52m earlier this month. Eddie Howe said he needs more signings but revealed he is working under a strict budget because of Financial Fair Play regulations.

“We have a very strict budget that we’re trying to work within,” Howe said after Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly against Gateshead. “Always with FFP, there are certain things you can be creative on but we don’t have a huge budget to work with.

“I’m a mixture of all things at different times. I’m patient and understand the parameters we’re working in but I also know the needs we have.

“For me it’s not a case of we want to do it, we need to do it. And being a coach I want them on the grass available now so all of those things together.”