Barcelona are reportedly giving consideration to approaching Newcastle United over the availability of one of their midfielders.
The Magpies are still savouring their famous EFL Cup triumph against Liverpool, ending their long wait to lift another piece of silverware.
However, upon the resumption of action after the international break, Eddie Howe's side will be focused on trying to deliver Champions League qualification through their position in the Premier League table.
In order to bolster where they currently sit with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, Newcastle ideally need a seat at European football's top table to reduce the need to cash in on any of their star men.
Alexander Isak is an obvious target for several high-profile sides, yet it appears that one of Newcastle's midfield contingent will also be identified as a potential signing.
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Newcastle midfielder on Barcelona radar?
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona may consider a move for Sandro Tonali over the coming months.
The report adds that the La Liga leaders currently have no plans to add a new central midfielder to their ranks, yet there is scope for the situation to change.
Frenkie de Jong may still depart the Catalan giants with just over a year remaining on his contract, and a suitable replacement would be required.
While Bruno Guimaraes has previously been linked with a switch to Camp Nou, those reports have gone cold and alternatives are seemingly being sought.
Tonali has been a much-welcomed addition to the first-team squad at St James' Park this season after sitting out the majority of the last campaign through his ban for breaching betting regulations.
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Reason for Howe to worry?
Although Newcastle boss Howe has been constantly aware of the PSR situation, he will feel that he can ill-afford to lose either Guimaraes or Tonali.
The latter started every game of their EFL Cup campaign, particularly impressing in the final, and being in a position to make 35 appearances in all competitions during 2024-25 has benefitted Newcastle on several levels.
On the flip side, Howe knows that Champions League football is required to keep both players in the North-East in the long term, Newcastle currently two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Both of the aforementioned duo have contracts that run until 2028.
Darren Plant
