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Newcastle United to test Barcelona resolve with Raphinha bid?

Newcastle to test Barcelona resolve with Raphinha bid?
© Reuters
Newcastle United are allegedly contemplating whether to try to tempt Barcelona into selling Raphinha during the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United reportedly hold an interest in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha during the summer transfer window.

The Magpies have enjoyed an encouraging 2022-23, reaching the EFL Cup final and becoming a mainstay in the race for Champions League qualification through the Premier League.

However, Eddie Howe's side are currently on a five-match winless streak in the top flight, partly a consequence of their poor form in the final third.

Newcastle are well stocked for players who can play in wide areas with Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy all at Howe's disposal.

That said, it is deemed likely that the North East giants will re-enter the transfer market later in 2023, particularly if they earn European football.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe during 4-0 win over Aston Villa on October 29, 2022.© Reuters

According to El Nacional, Newcastle are prepared to put forward a €50m (£44.5m) offer for Raphinha.

The Brazil international only made the switch from Leeds United to Camp Nou for a reported £55m fee last summer and has since contributed eight goals and nine assists from 36 appearances.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old has not been a mainstay in Xavi's starting lineup, while it is claimed by Eldesmarque that Barcelona are open to a sale.

The report indicates that Raphinha's frustrated reaction to being substituted towards the end of the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie with Manchester United was not appreciated.

Barcelona's Raphinha in action with Manchester United's Jadon Sancho on February 15, 2023© Reuters

With that adding to the disappointment over Raphinha's inconsistent displays, it is claimed that club officials are prepared to part ways with the playmaker.

Barcelona were recently told by La Liga president Javier Tebas that they must raise £177m in sales and cutbacks before they can sign any new players in the next transfer window.

Realistically, there are minimal ways to generate a considerable portion of that figure in one go through a sale, seemingly leading to Raphinha becoming an option even when he has over four years left on his contract.

The onus will be on Raphinha to prolong his recent improved form with four goals and two assists being posted in all competitions since the beginning of February.

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Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles in action on January 7, 2023.
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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