According to sources in Spain, Newcastle United has made an offer to Barcelona for the former Leeds United playmaker Raphinha.
Given Eddie Howe’s team’s strong standing in the Premier League standings, the Magpies—who have spent the sixth most of any club in the league in 2023—may look to bolster their roster during the January transfer window.
They defeated Fulham 3-0 at St. James’ Park on Saturday, moving them up to sixth position in the Premier League standings, ahead of Manchester United.
That puts them in a decent position to challenge for Champions League riches again by finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season.
And they will reportedly look to strengthen this winter with Spanish publication Nacional claiming that they have already put in a €30m (£26m) bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha.
It is claimed that Newcastle are hoping to ‘take advantage of drama’ at Barcelona and land the Brazilian ahead of other rivals for his signature.
Raphinha, a Brazil international who has only made six La Liga starts this season at Camp Nou, has struggled to play consistently under Xavi despite being linked to both Manchester United and Liverpool.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta ‘does not refuse to listen to offers for him’ but viewed the Magpies’ €30m bid as ‘totally insufficient’.
Laporta ‘would not rule out his departure if it would serve to bring in someone better’ and ‘would like to obtain at least €80m’ for the former Leeds superstar.
His poor start to the season at Barcelona did ‘not go unnoticed by the main clubs in Europe’ and Newcastle were hopeful that they would ‘get him for a lower price’. Newcastle also have their sights set on Kalvin Phillips, a midfielder for Manchester City who isn’t getting enough playing time under Pep Guardiola.