Latest Newcastle United transfer news with an update on goalkeeper Joan Garcia as he continues to be linked with a move to the Magpies a well as Premier League rivals
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Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Arsenal
(Image: Getty Images)
Joan Garcia has refused to rule out a summer exit from Espanyol as rumours continue to circulate regarding a potential move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are expected to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer. Nick Pope's long-term future is uncertain, Martin Dubravka could leave despite signing a new contract in January, while Odysseas Vlachodimos is anticipated to exit as his move from Nottingham Forest hasn't worked out.
Garcia has emerged as a target for Newcastle, according to reports in Spain, and Eddie Howe's side are eyeing up a move for the 24-year-old 'keeper. He has a £21 million release clause in his Espanyol contract and has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Aston Villa and Barcelona, as well as the Magpies.
His price would have inflated to £25m had he been called up to the Spain national team squad for their Nations League game against France, but Luis de la Fuente decided against selecting him.
When asked about the latest rumours, Garcia told Spain's Tot Gira: "At the end of the day, in football, news is coming out all the time, things are coming out. Until things become a reality, it's not always the truth.
"But anyway, as I'm telling you, I'm very calm. Whatever needs to be decided, I'll definitely think about it a lot with my people and choose what will be best for me. I'm sure it will be like that."
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Garcia has been one of the outstanding goalkeepers in La Liga this season and helped Espanyol preserve their Spanish top-flight status on Saturday. He finished with the most saves of any 'keeper in La Liga (146) and was then handed the Dani Jarque award, given to Espanyol's best player.
Barcelona were said to be the frontrunners last week and Espanyol head coach Manolo Gonzalez delivered his own verdict on Garcia's future and where he could end up.
As Barcelona and Espanyol are bitter rivals and less than six miles apart, Gonzalez warned Garcia to think "very carefully" about a move across to Hansi Flick's side.
"I know he has strong feelings for Espanyol," Gonzalez said. "I'm not in his head, but I would be very surprised if he went to Barca because they have Ter Stegen and because they're our eternal rival.
"I would be very surprised… but I'm not in anyone’s head and I don't know what he'll do. I won’t tell him anything."
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