Newcastle United could sign the Spanish goalkeeper for half the price of James Trafford - on one condition.
It was around this time last week that many Newcastle supporters first became aware of Garcia after Spanish journalist Angel Garcia claimed the Magpies were ‘very close’ to activating his £25million release clause.
But as it has turned out, Newcastle’s interest isn’t anywhere close to being that advanced. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford remains top of the transfer wish list.
James Trafford top of Newcastle United’s wishlist
Trafford has just played a starring role in Burnley’s Championship promotion-winning campaign, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals. That includes keeping 12 consecutive clean sheets between December and March.
Newcastle submitted a £16million bid for Trafford last year, which fell short of Burnley’s £20m valuation. The Daily Mail claims his price tag is likely to be around £30m this summer.
It’s understood the Cumbrian agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park last summer and that “verbal pact is still valid” according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
When asked about his future last month, Trafford said: "I've got an incredibly good circle around me. It's very small but it's incredibly good. When the season ends I'll go on holiday and relax from football and then I'll start getting ready for the national team in the summer.
"I don't go on my phone too much. I'm not naive enough to say I don't see any of the noise around me but it doesn't bother me. Whatever happens will happen. I've done all I can this season."
Joan Garcia - a cheaper alternative?
With goalkeeper among several positions Newcastle are looking to strengthen this summer, managing their transfer budget will be key.
And according to fresh reports in Spain, the Magpies sign Garcia at half the price of Trafford, if Espanyol are relegated from La Liga on Saturday.
The Catalan outfit have lost their last five straight matches and will drop back into Spain’s second-tier if they lose at home to Las Palmas and 18th place Leganes. Garcia’s release clause is currently £21million but would reduce to £12.6m in the event of relegation.
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The 24-year-old has made 66 appearances for Espanyol after progressing through their academy system and this campaign has played a major role in so far keeping them out of the bottom three. Last summer, he won a gold medal with Spain at the Olympics and has also represented his country at under-18s, under-19s and under-21s level.
Eddie Howe responds to Newcastle United goalkeeper links
As well as Trafford and Garcia, Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
In response to the goalkeeper transfer links, Howe said last Friday: “I don't go through the rumours, so I've got no idea that we're being linked with goalkeepers.
“I don't think it's the right time for me to comment on that. We have some very good goalkeepers at the football club who have done brilliantly this year, so I'd rather celebrate them.”
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