Newcastle now reportedly want Barcelona target likened to Sergio Busquets, £16m could seal deal

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to bolster their midfield ranks in the January transfer window.

Now, two reports have suggested that £16million could seal the deal for a player likened to Sergio Busquets.

Over the past few days, Newcastle have been linked with Boca Juniors midfielder Alan Varela.

Italian outlet Tuttomercatomeb, via Sport Witness, reported that ‘there is an offer’ from Eddie Howe’s side.

The report claimed that the Magpies have ‘already moved’ by putting an offer of €18m (£16m) on the table.

Newcastle are apparently leading the Varela race ahead of the likes of Barcelona, Ajax and Benfica.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s MDZ Online have reported that Boca would find it ‘almost impossible’ to turn a £16m bid down.

However, even if Newcastle find a breakthrough, the suggestions are that Varela would stay put until the summer.

MDZ Online claim that Boca believe they’ll be able to keep the 21-year-old on loan for the next six months.

They also relayed a claim from journalist Ignacio Bezruk that Varela will change his shirt number from 33 to 5.

The latter number became available following Carlos Zambrano’s exit from the club.

This suggests that Varela’s short-term future will be with Boca.

‘Barca style’

Even if Newcastle don’t bring Varela to St James’ Park this month, they’d still be getting a top talent for the future.

In December, Spanish outlet Sport wrote a feature article about the defensive midfielder.

They note how Varela trained at the footballing school Barcelona have in Buenos Aires.

From there, he went to Boca Juniors through the agreement that the two clubs have as a collaboration.

‘Varela grew up playing the Barca style, with a clear idea about keeping possession and grew up playing in the position of defensive midfielder,’ they continued.

;His adaptation was spectacular and Boca ended up capturing him to give him a chance in the first team.

;He has established himself as the undisputed starter and is succeeding in the position of Sergio Busquets convincingly.’