The Shields Gazette have reported that Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez is being linked with a shock move to Spanish giants Barcelona
It has been no secret that Barcelona, ever since Pedro joined Chelsea last summer, have been looking for a forward who can act as a decent back up to one of the most, if not the most, deadliest and feared strike forces in the world of football.
Barcelona have recently had their sights set on Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto. However, the young Argentine has turned down this interest and has opted to join Sevilla on-loan for a season. Nolito and Gameiro have also been on Barcelona’s radar; however, the former decided on a move to Manchester City and the latter is closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid. Ultimately, none of the aforementioned players wanted to play a supporting role at Camp Nou.
Therefore, Barcelona now need new targets and it seems that one of these targets is Ayoze Perez. Perez was a target for Barcelona back in 2014 but he turned them down and joined Newcastle instead because they were only offering him a place in their B team.
IBTimes UK have stated that they can confirm that Barcelona have already made contact with Perez to see if he would be willing to join them this summer.
Perez has a hefty release clause after having just signed a new long-term deal back in February. However, IBTimes Uk understands that Newcastle would be willing to let him go for £15 million; having signed him for a mere £1.5 million from Tenerife in 2014.
Perez struggled to get much game time under Benitez at the end of last season and, therefore, a move to a team like Barcelona, coupled with a bid of £15 million, might just be too good for both parties to turn down.
