FC Barcelona have opened talks with Newcastle United over a move for forward Anthony Gordon, with the Spanish champions joining FC Bayern Munich in the chase for the England international.
Barcelona are understood to be exploring a deal for the 25-year-old despite ongoing financial constraints at the club. The Catalan side can still spend funds raised through player sales and see Gordon as a key attacking target ahead of next season.
Bayern Munich have already held formal discussions with Newcastle, although there remains a sizeable gap in valuation between the two clubs.
Newcastle are under little pressure to sell immediately. Gordon is contracted until 2030 and the club are believed to value him at no less than £70 million.
Chief executive David Hopkinson warned in March that any departures would happen only on the club’s terms.
Still, Newcastle may need to generate funds this summer after a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League. Gordon has emerged as the most likely high-profile exit.
The former Everton FC winger was surprisingly left on the bench for Newcastle’s final four matches of the campaign, with head coach Eddie Howe seemingly planning for the future.
Supporters in the away end sang Gordon’s name during the 2-0 defeat at Fulham FC on the final day, in scenes that felt like a farewell.
Asked after the match whether Gordon had played his last game for Newcastle, Howe said: “I don’t know, as I said in the build-up to the game.
“You can never predict what’s going to happen.
“He obviously goes to the World Cup now so we wish him well.”
Barcelona are also monitoring Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid and João Pedro of Chelsea FC as they reshape their attack under Hansi Flick.
The Spanish giants also retain the option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United FC following his loan spell, with a £26 million deal still on the table.
