Newcastle place down ‘astronomical proposal’ to steal Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona

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Newcastle United are in pole position to complete a sensational move for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, according to reports in Spain. The Magpies are primed to land Dembele on a free transfer next summer as negotiations over a new contract at Camp Nou continue to stall.

The January transfer window presents the first opportunity for Newcastle to spend since the club’s Saudi Arabia-backed takeover.

Eddie Howe will demand signings as he fights to keep his side in the Premier League amid a winless season so far.

But January isn’t always the easiest time to secure deals, especially those worthy of widespread headlines.

Newcastle could make exactly those at the end of the campaign, though, with their pursuit of Dembele.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi and the club have so far failed to persuade Dembele to stay beyond next summer.

And the 24-year-old is the subject of an ‘astronomical proposal’ from Newcastle, which is ‘impossible’ for Barcelona to match.

The Magpies’ offer has made Dembele’s head currently ‘more outside than within’ the La Liga giants.

But Barcelona will continue their attempt to lure the France international into signing a new contract to prevent losing him for nothing.

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Mundo Deportivo add that Dembele is one of Manchester United’s ‘main objectives’ for next season.

However, Newcastle are ‘pushing very hard’ for his signature, thanks to the financial power of their new owners.

Barcelona’s desperation to stop Dembele from leaving as a free agent is understandable, given they paid Borussia Dortmund £135m to sign him in 2017.

But as it stands, he seems intent on departing the club for a new challenge next season.

Given Newcastle’s defensive woes this term, Howe will likely want to focus on that area of his squad with his initial spending at St. James’ Park.

But besides Allan Saint-Maximin, there is a lack of star power in attack and not near the collective quality the club will need to progress up the Premier League in forthcoming years.

Callum Wilson and Joelinton have proven that they can offer something alongside Saint-Maximin, but there are concerns over both players’ consistency and struggles to remain fit.

While Dembele’s Barcelona career has been largely hijacked by frustrating injuries, signing a player of his pedigree would be a significant statement at the start of a new era on Tyneside under Howe and new ownership.

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