Newcastle United have been informed that Espanyol will not allow centre-back David Lopez to leave the club for any less than his £35million release clause, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan newspaper, as translated by Sport Witness, report that the Magpies are at the front of the queue after showing heavy interest in the 28-year-old, alongside La Liga club Valencia.
Mundo Deportivo claim that the two clubs will “fight until the end” for the 6ft 1in Lopez [Transfermarkt], but Espanyol are desperate to retain his services and will not budge on the £35million release clause.
Such a deal would see the Newcastle transfer record of £16million smashed.
Good move for Newcastle United?
In footballing terms, absolutely.
Lopez is a highly-experienced enforcer who would be able to come in and provide stern competition for Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune at St. James’ Park.
Rafa Benitez has experience of working with the 28-year-old at Napoli, and a reunion would no doubt prove fruitful for both parties.
The only issue here, and it is a pretty major one, is price. £35million is a lot of money for Newcastle to pay for a defender who is not even guaranteed to slot into the first-team and that really affects the quality of the deal for the Magpies.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
For price reasons, no.
Newcastle’s transfer record still stands at £16million, so there is absolutely no way Benitez or Ashley will want to go out and splurge £35million on a centre-back this summer.
It is likely that the record will indeed be broken in the coming weeks, but it will doubtful be for Lopez.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 1/10
