Newcastle United have allegedly identified Barcelona winger Ferran Torres as a potential summer transfer target.
The Magpies have just secured fourth place in the Premier League table, ensuring a return to the Champions League after a two-decade absence.
While Eddie Howe's squad have impressed in achieving that goal, it requires significant strengthening to cope with the demands of extra football and to compete at the highest level.
Newcastle have already been linked with a wide array of different playmakers, including Leicester City's James Maddison and RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, the North East outfit can expect to face competition from other clubs, leaving them to consider alternatives over the coming weeks.
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According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are giving thought to making an approach for Torres, formerly of Manchester City.
During his brief stint in English football, Torres contributed 16 goals and four assists from 43 appearances, and it was only the player pushing for a switch to Barcelona that saw his time at the Etihad Stadium end earlier than anticipated.
The Spain international has failed to deliver at Camp Nou, however, with just seven goals and three assists being recorded during the 2022-23 campaign, with 19 of his 32 La Liga outings coming as a substitute.
Although the 23-year-old is seemingly happy in his homeland, Barcelona must find quick solutions to facilitate the return of Lionel Messi and comply with La Liga regulations.
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Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets departing on free transfers will help matters, yet the Catalan giants are eager to make at least one big-money sale.
Raphinha and Ansu Fati are other players who have been linked with exits, although the former is viewed as an important player by Xavi and the latter is against leaving the club at this stage.
Barcelona are allegedly required to generate another £160m through cutbacks and sales in order to meet La Liga regulations, and before they can make other additions.
As recently as Monday, it was claimed that a £26m deal had been reached with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Ruben Neves, with the Premier League side needing to boost their own position with FFP as soon as possible.
Darren Plant
