St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - November 9, 2022. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates.
Newcastle United have made contact to sign Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde and have already received their response, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Balde profiled
The Spain international has worked his way up through the ranks at Camp Nou having graduated from the La Masia academy, and he has now become a regular feature under Xavi.
As a result, the left-back’s performances in La Liga have seen him attracting plenty of interest from England, and there are two clubs in particular who are reportedly keen on bringing him to the Premier League.
The Latest: Magpies make approach
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle and Arsenal have both ‘enquired about the possibility’ of signing Balde as they ‘contact’ his representatives to see what his current availability is like.
The Blaugrana, however, are ‘unwilling to negotiate’ any kind of deal for the 19-year-old as they view him a ‘key player’ for the future of the club and will ‘reject any offer’ that officially comes in for him.
The Verdict: Blow for Howe
Balde has been dubbed a ‘mesmerising’ player by Josh Bunting and it’ll come as a huge blow to Eddie Howe to learn that he won’t be able to secure his services.
The teenager is an attacking full-back, having racked up three assists this season already, and has also operated at right-back and in midfield alongside his natural position on the left (WhoScored).
PIF will now have to turn their attention towards other targets and prioritise specific areas that need strengthening if they want to get some new arrivals through the doors before the end of the window.
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