Report claims Barcelona ensured a first-refusal clause on Manquillo back in 2013

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Barcelona were once such a fan of Newcastle United defender Javier Manquillo back in his Atletico Madrid days that they got a first option clause on him, according to ESPN.

They report that as part of the deal that took Spain legend David Villa from to Atletico from the Nou Camp, Barca got first refusal on three players; Saul Niguez, Koke and Manquillo.

The other two are now fixtures in the Spanish national team, playing regularly in the Champions League, while Manquillo arrived at St James’ Park after unsuccessful loan spells with Liverpool, Marseille and Sunderland.

He has not exactly set the world alight for the Magpies, although he has been in improved form of late, as Newcastle have shunted themselves away from relegation trouble.

Manquillo, who earns £35,000 per week according to Spotrac, was once tipped for great things and even when he moved to Liverpool, it looked as if Brendan Rodgers had secured a promising, dynamic full-back who could play on both sides.

But he has become a figure of fun at times in the north east, and has struggled to get to grips with the English game before his recent decent run.

If Manquillo can show more of the form that meant Barcelona were keen to have first dibs on his moves then Rafa Benitez will be a very happy man.