Newcastle United are very interested in signing former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen from FC Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.
Christensen moved from Stamford Bridge to the Nou Camp last summer after his Blues contract expired.
The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Blaugrana and has impressed in his debut season in Catalonia.
Xavi has plenty of options when it comes to central defenders, but the Danish international has been a regular starter when fit.
He has played 25 matches across all competitions this season while competing for a place with Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
There have been plenty of reports saying Barcelona will complete the signing of Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez at the end of the season, however.
Martinez is out of contract in the summer, and given the fact he will be available on a free transfer, it is no surprise to see Barca sniffing around.
The La Liga giants are notably struggling financially and, despite spending big last summer, have mostly been limited to signing players available for nothing.
Christensen was one of four players to join Barca on a free transfer last summer. They also brought in Franck Kessie, Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso.
The potential signing of Martinez has cast some doubt over the future of Eric Garcia, and given Barca’s financial problems, no player is safe from being sold to raise funds.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Newcastle like the look of Christensen.
The player and club are not looking to strike a deal, however, which is a blow to the Magpies.
As mentioned prior, any sale cannot be ruled out, and despite the fact both parties are happy, Newcastle have put this in ‘danger’ and could lodge a transfer offer Barca will struggle to turn down.
Eddie Howe’s side have ‘great investment capacity’ and are ‘closely following’ the Danish defender.
The only way Christensen will leave is if Barca receive a ‘multimillion-dollar offer’, though the club seem to think it is ‘clear’ that offers will come in for the ex-Chelsea player.
Christensen’s representatives have made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he is very happy in Catalonia.
He is not ‘untouchable’, however, unlike Araujo, who will not be sacrificed upon the arrival of Martinez.
Meanwhile, Kounde is unlikely to be sold, especially with Barca still paying off his transfer from Sevilla last year.
This leaves former Manchester City youngster Garcia,…
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