Newcastle 'make strong inroads' to complete Barcelona deal after star left out of team

Andreas Christensen has returned to the frame in Newcastle United’s search for a new centre-back after losing his spot as a Barcelona starter, according to reports. Eddie Howe is working to bolster his defence before the summer transfer deadline but looks set to miss out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Newcastle had identified Guehi as their priority centre-back target but saw a fourth bid worth in the region of £65million rejected earlier this week.

The Magpies are now thought to be assessing alternative options, with August 30 rapidly approaching and Guehi captaining Palace in their 2-1 defeat at Brentford on Sunday.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Christensen’s role under Hansi Flick this season is unknown after the German coach opted for Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martínez in Saturday’s La Liga curtain-raiser.

Barcelona beat Valencia 2-1 at the Mestalla, where Christensen emerged from the bench in the 64th minute to replace the booked Cubarsi.

The report adds that Newcastle are making strong inroads to seal a deal for the 28-year-old as part of their attempts to strengthen Howe’s backline.

After Palace’s fourth rebuttal in Guehi talks, it’s claimed that Christensen’s name has come up in discussions between executives at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle are said to have shortlisted the the Denmark international since the start of the summer and could soon act on their interest.

Barcelona will reportedly only sanction a sale of Christensen if they receive an offer they deem too good to refuse.

The Nou Camp giants’ valuation is said to stand at £26million two years after signing him on a free transfer from Chelsea.

Christensen made 161 senior appearances for Chelsea after graduating from the club’s academy in 2014. He spent 2015 to 2017 on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Denmark international lifted the Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup at Stamford Bridge.

A Barcelona exit would be somewhat of a surprise, considering he publicly expressed his excitement to work with Flick while competing at Euro 2024.

He said: “I only hear good things from people who have had it. It’s probably a bit different now. A bit of German discipline? I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t spoken to him yet, though.

“From the outside, everything may have seemed very chaotic, but from the board, they have been quite honest and have told the players the entire process.

“Of course, it has been strange, but it has not been chaotic for the team because from the beginning, they have told us always what our situation is.”