Newcastle have approached Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati ahead of a potential summer move, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper claim that the Magpies are in a battle with a number of clubs for the 16-year-old’s signature, including Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Daily Record report that the Barcelona starlet’s contract has run out, with Fati unimpressed with the new deal offered to him by the Spanish giants.
Fati spent last season in the Barcelona under-19’s squad and led the goal scoring charts for the youth side, scoring 15 goals in his 26 starts from the left wing.
Born in Guinea-Bissau, the youngster has reportedly applied for a European passport and would be able to join any European side for a minimal fee should that be granted.
OPINION
Any current transfers look unlikely at St James’ Park, with clauses in Rafael Benitez’ deal making it difficult to make any significant moves. Any in or outcoming deal needs to be authorised by the Spaniard before the end of June when his contract runs out. Should that be resolved, the club and Benitez will be able to push forward with any business in the market in preparation for next season. Regardless of all that, this type of move is a positive one, but the fans will definitely be hoping for much bigger news in the next month or so. If Newcastle can beat Manchester United to Fati’s signature, it would be a great signal of intent. The signs do look good for the Magpies, who would be more likely to be able to grant senior football to the starlet after his main reason for leaving is the Spanish club refusing first-team action in their B-side. Newcastle should fight to secure the pacey starlet’s signature and then move on to much bigger targets as they push towards the start of another season.
