Newcastle United take on Barcelona in the Champions League at St. James' Park and have been linked with a transfer swoop for Dani Olmo
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United could be set for an up close and personal look at Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo after reports from Spain linked the Magpies with a sensational £78million move for the Spanish international.
E-Noticies, claims Eddie Howe's side are reportedly looking to smash their current transfer record fee - the £69m spent on Nick Woltemade in the final few days of the recent summer transfer window.
The report claims the 27-year-old will almost certainly leave the La Liga giants next summer 'if a good offer arrives.' It's not the first time the Magpies have been linked with a move for the playmaker, with Newcastle said to have had an interest in Olmo during his time with RB Leipzig.
It remains to be seen if the reports are accurate and whether Newcastle will look to smash their transfer record again next summer. However, the sale of Alexander Isak has undoubtedly opened up new avenues to spend.
The report claims Olmo intends to succeed at Barcelona, but has only made 13 starts in La Liga and six in the Champions League since arriving from the Bundesliga in the summer of 2024.
So far this season, Hansi Flick has opted to start Fermin Lopez, with Olmo making just one start in the league. The report claims that sources close to Barcelona president Joan Laporta are surprised Olmo has been unable to force his way into Flick's starting XI.
Newcastle are set to welcome Barcelona to St. James' Park on Thursday night for the opening clash of their Champions League campaign. Olmo was on the bench for the Catalan club's emphatic 6-0 win over Valencia on Sunday, with the aforementioned Lopez bagging a brace.
The 22-year-old has been one of Barca's standout performers this season. However, Flick may opt for a more experienced line-up at St. James' Park later this week.
That would mean a start for Olmo and a real opportunity for Howe's side to see whether or not the Spanish international is worth a club-record fee.
Newcastle United have been linked with a sensational '£78m' move for Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona.
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts**,* and you can also watch along on YouTube.*