Barcelona contract rebel Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been approached by Newcastle over a possible move to Tyneside.
Dembele is out of contract at the end of the season, although Barcelona boss Xavi is determined to force him to a new deal.
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However, after a lengthy meeting with the owners of the club, in which nothing was agreed, two Premier League clubs are said to be in the running for his signature.
One of them is Newcastle, with Eddie Howe looking forward to signing at St James’s Park.
And with claims a possible move to Newcastle is ‘still open,’ Dembele is free to start talks with English clubs from Saturday.
Writing on Twitter, Guru’s transfer fabrizio romano Said: “Newcastle have contacted Ousmane Dembele weeks ago … but it is not the only club in the Premier League. Nothing has been agreed or settled.
“#NUFC everything is still open, and now complicated for Barca as Ousmane will only-sign on his own terms, it is very clear.”
Only last week it was reported that Dembele had agreed personal terms with Barcelona over a new deal at a reduced weekly salary.
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But those talks to boost Newcastle seem to have reached an impasse.
It is understood the winger will now only be there if he is offered the wages he is asking for, which could be a problem for cash-strapped Barca.
The £55million cost of Ferran Torres could leave the club short on finances when it comes to talks with Dembele.
Dembele’s agents are believed to have preferred a ploy for their client, as they seek to cash in on hefty commission fees.
Romano reports that Prem’s interested parties are ready to meet his demands, with finances not a problem for mega-rich Newcastle.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move from Dembele, with his France teammate Anthony Martial set to make a move in January.
That means the Red Devils could be the second, unnamed, Premier League club in the race for his signature.
However Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in Dembele in recent weeks, as Antonio Conte looks to shake things up in north London.
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