The latest Newcastle United transfer deadline day news as the club are one to be linked with an interest in the Barcelona man this summer.
Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907.
Newcastle United have been linked with an interest in Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.
(Image: Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has sent a possible hint over the future of Newcastle United-linked Fermin Lopez with just hours of the summer transfer window remaining.
The Magpies are one of a few clubs to be linked with an interest in the attacking midfielder ahead of the deadline. Clubs have until 7pm tonight (Monday) to complete their business.
Newcastle’s strongest competition appears to be Chelsea, with claims that the Blues have sent a written proposal to Barcelona for the player. It has, however, been claimed that Newcastle are willing to pay double the amount offered by Chelsea.
The expected sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool ahead of the deadline will give Eddie Howe extra funds to work with.
Lopez was a second-half substitute in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.
Following the game, Flick was asked about the player and told Marca: “Today we have to talk about the team, not the players. The most important thing for me is that when the transfer window closes, everyone is 100 percent committed.
“It's important not to have egos; that kills the chances of success.”
The comments are somewhat of a change of tone when he spoke about the player just a couple of days ago.
"At the moment he is here,” he said at a press conference on Saturday. "I spoke with him. I'm convinced that he will stay, but at the end I don't know what happens.
“We have to wait. I am really happy when the market is closed.
"I told him my opinion, but it's between him and me. Sometimes players have other thoughts. Around the players are also a lot of people, who know maybe more than we know.
"It's a big business. I have to focus on my team and I am really happy Fermín plays for Barça. He's a really important player for us. He showed that last season. His style is different to other players. He can help us a lot."
The 22-year-old came up through the Barcelona youth ranks after joining from Real Betis at an early age. He has made a total of 90 first team appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists.