Report: Newcastle to battle Europe's elite for £43m Barcelona defender this summer

Barcelona seem to be aware that they may have to sell a couple of big players this summer and Newcastle United have joined the queue for one of them.

Newcastle's interest in Raphinha is nothing new, but now Mundo Deportivo believe that the Magpies have their sights set on one of Barcelona's big name defenders.

Jules Kounde is attracting interest from Europe's top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Kounde wants to remain at Barcelona but it's looking increasingly like the Frenchman will be sold this summer.

Kounde would prefer to stay at Barcelona

Even though Kounde has a contract until 2027 at Barca, they have an overabundance of defenders and need to let at least one go this summer and he is attracting the most interest.

The 25-year-old France international has made 44 appearances for Barca this season and has even chipped in with two goals and four assists playing mostly at right-back despite being a central defender by trade.

There's no doubt that Newcastle need defensive reinforcements after seeing their entire back line out injured at some point this season and now facing the first half of next season without two main centre-backs.

Kounde won't come cheap and Newcastle don't have the budget

It will be a big ask for Newcastle to pick up Kounde you'd think, not just because of the calibre of the competition who are interested in him, but also given that he's valued at around £43million according to Transfermarkt.

Newcastle's issues with spending power are well documented at this point and with the Magpies searching the freebies section and chasing the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and LLoyd Kelly, it's clear that such big outlays on one player will probably not be the order of the day this summer, especially not in defence where we can pick up gems who are out of contract.

Kounde would be an amazing signing for Newcastle, but it's not one we can see happening this year.