Newcastle United to beat Barcelona to top goalkeeper target | OneFootball

Barcelona look set to miss out on Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, despite making a major play for him in the last week. He is set to leave this summer, with a €25m release clause, and a number of suitors willing to activate it.

The Blaugrana have submitted a contract offer for Garcia, and reached an agreement on terms with the 24-year-old’s agents, who are reportedly in favour of a move across the Catalan capital. However they are facing competition from a number of sides, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid previously expressing an interest, but the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Joan Garcia will not move to Barcelona

The Blaugrana had reportedly made it into the final two of Garcia’s thinking alongside Newcastle, but Cadena Cope have assured that Barcelona are set to miss out. It is reasoned that the fact that there would be plenty of animosity from Espanyol towards him and that he is not guaranteed to start at Barcelona are factors. His decision is set to come imminently, and Newcastle appear to be the best-placed to wrap up a deal.

Image via Cordon Press

Garcia coy on future

In recent days Garcia has appeared in front of the media twice, and despite being asked on several occasions whether he would rule out a move to rivals Barcelona, refused to do so. He noted on several occasions that he was relaxed about the situation, and would take ‘the best option for me’.

Could Barcelona turn their attentions elsewhere?

It has also been said that Barcelona have made up their mind to try and sign a goalkeeper this summer, and their two top alternatives have been named. The Blaugrana have enquired abotu Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, while Lille’s Lucas Chevalier is another ‘keeper that has impressed them this season. There are doubts about their ability to pull off a move for either of them financially.