'Keep an eye on him': Newcastle could benefit from huge Barcelona transfer by signing 'fascinating' winger - journalist

Newcastle United are in the market for a top winger to play on the right side with Miguel Almiron tipped to be sold this summer.

Should Miggy move on, Newcastle would need a replacement to come in and fill that gap with just Jacob Murphy left to play on the right, unless Eddie Howe were to permanently switch Anthony Gordon to the right which wouldn't make sense after the season he's had on the left.

One player Newcastle have admired for a while is Spain international Nico Williams with the Magpies looking at a move for the 21-year-old before signing Anthony Gordon.

The Magpies have retained an interest in the Athletic Bilbao winger but the fact is, his wages are astronomical and beyond what even Bruno Guimaraes earns at Newcastle so a move is highly unlikely.

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Nico Williams moving to Barcelona could signal the end of Raphinha's Barca dream

However, Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that Barcelona could be a possible destination for Williams and that would put Brazilian winger Raphinha's position up in the air yet again.

Newcastle have also been keeping tabs on Raphinha after the former Leeds United man has struggled to secure a regular spot in Xavi's side and if Williams were to land at Barca, that could signal the end of Raphinha's dream according to Bailey.

“If Williams does go to Barcelona, it brings up the Raphinha situation.

“He has been offered around so keep an eye on him. Newcastle like him. He’s 27-years-old which is a great age, and a proven Premier League performer. He’s a fascinating option for Newcastle and a few others.

“He’s a saleable asset and they [Barcelona] are ready to finance Williams by using him.”

We're hoping that our summer budget is being downplayed

Raphinha could still be a step too far for the Toon this summer, though. The Magpies have several positions to fill and Financial Fair Play is putting the squeeze on the budget so big-money signings may have to wait.

That being said, with the Adidas and Champions League money hitting the bottom line this year, Newcastle's budget shouldn't be as bad as we fear, especially with a few player sales on top of that.

There's a feeling that our budget is being downplayed in the media and we will spring a surprise or two. Or that could just be wishful thinking on our part.