Despite a new right-winger being the reported ‘top priority’ for Newcastle United this winter, the club continue to be linked with centre-backs ahead of the January transfer window.
A move for Marc Guehi appears to have been shelved for now and the Italian media have linked us with AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, but the Spanish press are the latest to throw another name into the mix.
According to Sport, Newcastle have made an attempt to sign Barcelona centre-back Eric García during the January transfer window.
The Catalan newspaper states that the Magpies have made a concrete effort to secure the 23-year-old’s services, presenting a proposal deemed “interesting” by the Catalan club.
This follows a similar story from FootballTransfers, who reported last week that Newcastle were exploring the possibility of bringing the €25m-rated defender to St James’ Park.
However, despite Garcia’s struggle for game time – the Spaniard has managed just four starts this season since returning from an impressive loan spell at Girona – Sport report that he prefers to fight for his place at the Nou Camp over a winter move to Tyneside.
The former Manchester City player is determined to prove his worth to Barca boss Hansi Flick and is considering a potential move only in the summer.
García began his senior career at City, making 35 appearances across all competitions before returning to Barcelona in 2021 on a free transfer.
Despite his high potential and versatility – he can operate at centre-back or as a holding midfielder – the Spanish international has struggled to cement a consistent role with the La Liga giants.
If it’s true that our offer has intrigued Barcelona but not so much the player himself, Newcastle must work to convince García of the benefits of a move back to the Premier League – or accept his heart isn’t set on a move and look elsewhere.
The club went in for Marc Guehi over the summer but it’s believed the Crystal Palace captain will stay put in January and assess his options at the end of the season, where he’ll be in the final 12 months of his deal.