- Newcastle are reportedly preparing a bid to bring Ferran Torres back to England
- The Barcelona winger struggled to get into the starting XI last season
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all just beginning! Available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Barcelona’s Ferran Torres could make a surprise return to the Premier League as Newcastle are reportedly preparing a bid for the winger.
Torres spent a season and a half with Manchester City before returning to his native Spain when Barcelona signed him for £47m in January 2021.
Despite his high price tag, Torres has struggled for consistency since joining the La Liga giants.
Torres made 29 league appearances for Barcelona last season, but only started 12 of them.
However, new Barca coach Hansi Flick gave the 24-year-old a starting place in the season opener against Valencia.
Barcelona winger Ferran Torres has been linked with a surprise return to the Premier League
Torres spent a season and a half with Manchester City before moving to Barcelona
The 24-year-old has struggled to consistently secure a place in Barcelona’s starting lineup.
However, Flick’s faith in Torres does not appear to be holding Newcastle back.
According to SportNew Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell is “looking for wingers in the market amid the uncertainty surrounding Miguel Almirón”.
The Paraguayan recently came close to returning to Major League Soccer (MLS) and has admirers in Saudi Arabia.
With Almirón potentially headed for the exit, Newcastle are hoping to sign “a top-class winger”, with Torres their main target.
The report claims the Magpies are “preparing an attractive proposal” to tempt Torres to the Toon, with an offer due to arrive “in the coming days”.
Torres’ transfer fee is estimated to be £25.5m, a figure Newcastle are unlikely to have any trouble paying.
Although Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for Torres, a deal for the winger may not be as straightforward as it seems.
Sport says the 24-year-old “wants to stay at Barça” and “have opportunities when Flick gives them to him.”
Newcastle’s new sporting director Paul Mitchell is looking to sign a new winger for the club
Miguel Almirón has been linked with a possible exit, with Saudi Arabian clubs interested in him
Reports of Newcastle’s interest in Torres provide a clue as to how active the club may be in the final days of the summer transfer window.
In addition to a winger, the Magpies are interested in strengthening their position in central defence.
Newcastle recently submitted a fourth bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with the latest offer believed to be close to the Eagles’ £65m valuation.
However, Mail Sport understands Newcastle are also keeping a close eye on Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, who could be available for £35m.
Gomez came close to a £45million move to Newcastle earlier in the window when he was involved in negotiations for a deal that would have seen Anthony Gordon move to his boyhood club Liverpool.
Newcastle’s need for defensive reinforcements has also been heightened after Fabian Schar received a three-match ban following his red card for headbutting Southampton striker Ben Brereton Diaz.
