Tension at Camp Nou as Newcastle plot surprise move for Barcelona want-away defender

• Newcastle recently captured England defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid as their first signing since the Saudi led takeover
• The Magpies are desperate to bolster their defence in the January transfer window with Eddie Howe targeting centre-backs
• Newcastle United have now turned their attention to Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti after seeing a bid turned down by Lille for Sven Botman

English Premier League club Newcastle United are reportedly pursuing the signature of Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti after missing out on their preferred target in Lille’s Sven Botman The Mirror reports.

The Saudi-Arabian Consortium backed club recently announced the signing of English defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12million and are still willing to bolster their squad with more qualities players in their bid to escape relegation this season.

Newcastle United had offered a bid of £30million to tempt French club Lille into selling their centre back Sven Botman but the Ligue 1 outfit had turned down the request from the Magpies who now seem desperate as they have now turned their attention to Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

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Spanish news outlet Sport reports Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for the French defender alongside midfielder Fellipe Coutinho as they attempt to free up valuable space on their wage bill for new arrivals.

Newcastle are willing to pay £17million for Umtiti who earns a whopping £220,000 per week and is under contract with the Catalan giants until June 2023 but is not wanted by Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.

The Magpies are currently 19th on the Premier League table, having won just one of their 19 matches so far this season.

Manchester United in Talks to Sign Top Borussia Dortmund Star

Meanwhile, Man United have reportedly entered talks over the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund star, Dan-Axel Zagadou.

Zagadou's deal with the Bundesliga giants is set to expire at the end of the ongoing season, meaning he is free to pen a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

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The Red Devils are exploring the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer and have already begun talks with his agent, Moussa Sissoko.

Chelsea set to land Eveton's Lucas Digne

Sports Brief earlier reported that Chelsea are on the verge of completing their first January transfer window signing as Thomas Tuchel’s side chase former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona Lucas Digne.

The Blues are in the market for a left-back following the long-term injury to Ben Chilwell as he is out for the rest of the season.

Marcos Alonso his only recognisable left wing-back and now they are already doing business to fill Chilwell's void.