Newcastle United have been linked with one of the true stars of La Liga in recent weeks, but can they afford him?
(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images.)
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Newcastle United have been told the release clause of Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet after fresh suggestions of interest in La Liga.
The exciting attacking midfielder, also linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in previous windows, is under contract with Newcastle's Champions League opponents until 2032. But the playmaker could be signed for £69million according to sources in the Basque Country.
At 25, Sancet is deemed a Premier League ready talent and would bring serious competition to Newcastle's current midfield three of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. But with Eddie Howe wanting two strong contenders for each shirt he could fit the bill next summer - especially if Newcastle opt to loan out Lewis Miley or sell Joe Willock.
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Sancet, who stands at 6ft 2in, would also add another giant into the ranks with 6ft 7in Dan Burn, 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade, and 6ft 4in Malick Thiaw already shaking up Premier League rivals. Sancet is a willing runner and has 43 goals to his name with the La Liga side.
Sancet is currently out with a hamstring injury and is currently a doubt for what would have been a live audition at St James' Park in the Champions League against the Magpies.
The Pamplona-born star caught the eye last season with 15 goals in 29 games and would be deemed a major coup if Howe and his transfer team could pull it off.
Newcastle respond to talk of Marseille away fan ban
Newcastle are due to travel to the south of France on November 25 for their Champions League clash at the Velodrome. Fans of Ajax were barred from attending the Marseille game on September 30 by local authorities.
With United fans already booked up for the trip, such late notice would cause a stir in the Toon fanbase but Newcastle officials have tried to play talk of a supporter travel ban down.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were told this week that they would be banned from travelling to the UK for their clash with Aston Villa after security concerns from West Midlands Police.
A Newcastle spokesman said: "From the information we have now: at his moment in time our fans are permitted to travel.
"There are very clear instructions from the authorities in Marseille for when they do travel. So we'll stick to that and let you know if there's any change."
Benfica kids in Toon as venue confirmed
It may well be another busy week in the Champions League as Jose Mourinho brings his Benfica stars to St James' Park for the next chapter of this season's competition.
But before the main event at St James' Park, the youngsters of both sides will go toe to toe at Whitley Park. The game kicks off at 2pm and tickets must be paid for in advance at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
Newcastle lost 3-2 at home to Barcelona in the first game before a narrow defeat against Union SG away in Belgium earlier this month meaning they will be keen to get off the mark against the Portuguese side.
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