Barcelona have begun to lose trust in Newcastle over their attempts to snap up attacker Ousmane Dembele, according to a report.
The Magpies have begun to look to a brighter future following Steve Bruce’s exit. Indeed, the takeover can now really make progress as the search for a new manager steps up.
Reports claim that former Tottenham target Paulo Fonseca is the frontrunner for the St James’ Park role. What’s more, the former Roma boss will supposedly have a £50million budget to work with in January.
As for who Newcastle could sign, Barcelona winger Dembele features on their radar.
Magpies chiefs are reportedly willing to offer the Frenchman a contract worth €15million (£12.6million) per season. The fact that his current deal at Barca runs out next summer is playing into the situation.
Indeed, Barcelona are also negotiating to try to tie Dembele down to fresh terms themselves. They have sent an offer to Dembele’s agent, but have yet to hear back.
As such, Mundo Deportivo now claims (via Sport Witness) that Barcelona are beginning to lack trust in Newcastle and Dembele’s agent.
They have become concerned that the representative and the Premier League club are sorting out their own arrangement behind the scenes.
Dembele may need a change of scenery to prove himself. Hopes were high when he arrived at Barca as Neymar’s long-term replacement in 2017.
However, a string of injuries has put paid to any major progress for the 24-year-old.
He enjoyed a strong 2020/21 season, but injury at Euro 2020 means he is still on the sidelines.
Newcastle eye Serie A midfielder
Meanwhile, further reports claim that Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is another Newcastle target.
The Croatian finds himself in the same contractual situation as Dembele and his future has yet to be resolved.
Liverpool and Chelsea have had strong ties to a move for the midfielder in recent weeks.
Newcastle have reportedly joined the hunt as they look to bolster their ranks following their takeover.
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