Perez confirms Barcelona were interested in him

Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez has confirmed that Barcelona were interested in signing him.

Perez has made it clear that he wants to stay at Newcastle and help them progress as a club, with an exit not something on his mind at present.

Barcelona were thought to be considering a move for Perez last summer but the forward was not interested in a move back to Spain.

Perez wants to stay in England, with Newcastle, although it was not as black and white as him rejecting Barcelona.

It is not clear as to whether Barcelona actually made an offer but Perez was not going to force a move because of the interest.

Speaking to Spanish radio show El Larguero, Perez said this:

I only think of Newcastle, it is true that there was interest in Barca but I am here and we have to keep working.

Perez scored 12 goals in all competitions for Newcastle last season as they were promoted to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old scored nine Championship goals and was a pivotal part of their title-winning side.