Newcastle United ready to join race for Barcelona forward Memphis Depay?

Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to make an effort to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay.

The Magpies have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, signing goalkeeper Nick Pope and defender Sven Botman from Burnley and Lille respectively.

Head coach Eddie Howe has also activated the club's option to sign Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell.

However, Newcastle are yet to make an addition in the final third, something which is expected to change before the start of September.

According to Sport, the Premier League outfit are interested in securing the services of Depay over the coming weeks.

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The Netherlands international will almost certainly depart Camp Nou having been pushed down the pecking order by the acquisitions of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old is determined to make the final decision on his future, rather than moving to the club which proposes the most lucrative proposal.

The report suggests that Newcastle are willing to meet Barcelona's asking price, said to be in the region of £17m, but a lack of European football may cost the North-East giants.

Depay has allegedly already rejected the opportunity to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, effectively rendering Newcastle as outsiders to win the race for his signature.

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Earlier this week, it was suggested that Manchester United may attempt to entice Depay into taking on a second spell at Old Trafford.

His first period, between July 2015 and January 2017, was regarded as a failure with the former PSV Eindhoven playmaker only netting twice in 33 Premier League appearances.

However, with United in the market for a new attack-minded player, both parties may feel that it is worth rekindling their relationship.

In his first year at Barcelona, Depay contributed 13 goals from 38 outings in all competitions, and the green light has been given to a sale courtesy of the frontman having less than 12 months remaining on his contract.