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Newcastle ‘approach Ousmane Dembele over ambitious transfer but face competition from second Premier League club’
BARCELONA contract rebel Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been approached by Newcastle over a potential move to Tyneside.
Dembele is out-of-contract at the end of the season, although Barcelona boss Xavi remains determined to tie him down to a new deal.
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However, after a long-meeting with club bosses whereby nothing was agreed, TWO Premier League clubs are said to be in the running for his signature.
One of those is Newcastle, with Eddie Howe keen to make a marquee signing at St. James' Park.
And it's claimed a potential move to Newcastle is 'still open,' with Dembele free to begin negotiations with English clubs from Saturday.
Writing on Twitter, transfer guru said: "Newcastle have approached Ousmane Dembele weeks ago… but it’s not the only club from Premier League. Nothing agreed or decided as things stand.
"#NUFC Everything still open, and now complicated for Barca as Ousmane will -only- sign at his conditions, this is very clear."
It was reported just last week that Dembele had agreed personal terms with Barcelona over a new deal on a lower weekly wage.
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But in a boost to Newcastle those talks seem to have reached a stalemate.
It's understood that the winger will now only stay if he is offered the wages he is asking for, which could be a problem for cash-strapped Barca.
Shelling out £55million on Ferran Torres may leave the club short on finances when it comes to negotiating with Dembele.
Dembele's agents are thought to prefer a move for their client, as they seek to cash in on a hefty commission fee.
The finances are not a problem for mega-rich Newcastle, with Romano reporting that the interested parties from the Prem are willing to meet his demands.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Dembele, with his France team-mate Anthony Martial set to move on in January.
It means the Red Devils could be the other, unnamed, Premier League club in the race for his signature.
Although Tottenham too have 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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