Newcastle United edge closer to signing highly-rated £21m goalkeeper as player isn't keen on Barcelona switch

Newcastle United are one of several clubs who have taken a keen interest in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia after an excellent season in La Liga.

The Magpies chances of signing the highly-rated 24-year-old looked to have taken a big dent when Barcelona mobilised and joined the race for the Spanish stopper.

Joan Garcia has a €25 million (£21 million) release clause that is active this summer, and several big clubs are circling as well as Newcastle and Barcelona with Aston Villa and Arsenal both keen from the Premier League.

Espanyol don't want to lose their star man, so there will be no room for negotiation, so whoever does take Garcia away will have to pay the release clause to do so.

Joan Garcia isn't keen on a move to Barcelona

Newcastle have several goalkeepers in their sights this summer with James Trafford perhaps the most strongly linked to join the Magpies, but there could be a lot of movement in the goalkeeper positions at Newcastle and there could be scope to bring in two new options this summer if three or four of the existing crop leave the club as expected.

That still keeps Garcia firmly in the one to watch category, and given that a report on X from Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto claims Garcia isn't keen on a move to Barcelona and has the Premier League in his sights, it's definitely one to pay attention to.

"Joan García isn't keen on joining Barça and has reportedly told Espanyol this in the last few hours. He prefers to go to the Premier League."

Newcastle United and Aston Villa have high needs for a new goalkeeper

Matteo Moretto's post came several hours after transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted about interest from Barcelona who were set to offer Espanyol the chance to retain Garcia on loan next season.

However, Romano also explained that the player's choice would be key in that deal becoming a reality, and it seems that the player is choosing to go elsewhere.

Aston Villa need to replace Emi Martinez who is moving on this summer after leaving them with a nice parting gift of a ridiculous red card that cost Villa a spot in the Champions League ... Cheers Emi.

Meanwhile, Newcastle need a goalkeeper who can kick in a straight line and keep the ball out of the back of the net.