Newcastle edge closer to landing Barcelona player with £421m release clause – report

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Newcastle United look set to bolster their ranks with the arrival of Kieran Trippier.

However, the Magpies have a lot more work to do in the January transfer window.

Newcastle could do with numerous new recruits as they look to survive in the Premier League.

And according to one report, the Magpies are making good progress on another La Liga player.

Spanish outlet Sport suggests Newcastle are edging closer to landing Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti on loan.

The Blaugrana are reportedly desperate to offload the defender, who is out of favour under Xavi.

Sport claims Newcastle have been talking with Barca for weeks as they seek to clear funds to register Ferran Torres.

The Magpies have “finally” decided to make an offer as long as the player is interested, added the report.

While Umtiti was apparently eager to join a Champions League or title-challenging club, this “seems distant” for now.

Despite his bad luck with injuries in recent years, Umtiti is still a player of the highest calibre.

He has won 11 trophies during his career including the 2018 World Cup and two La Liga titles.

Umtiti has clocked up 133 appearances for Barca, and 31 France caps.

He was previously linked with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

And when Barca renewed his contract in 2018, it included a 500m euro (£421m) release clause.