It has just emerged, that a former Newcastle United striker is now of interest to LaLiga giants Barcelona, according to a recent report.

When Joselu plied his trade at Newcastle, many fans wouldn’t have predicted him to go on to join Real Madrid and have the impact he’s had.

The Spaniard hardly made an impression at St James’ Park and years later, aged 34, he struck 17 goals for one of the biggest clubs on the planet.

Now, a similar scenario may enfold with another former Magpies striker, who is being linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.

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Barcelona want to sign Ayoze Perez

According to Diario AS, Barcelona are interested in signing former Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez this summer.

The 30-year-old, who joined Real Betis on a free transfer from Leicester City last summer, has a £3.4m release clause in his contract, making the move ‘economically feasible’ for the Catalan club.

Perez netted 11 goals whilst laying on two assists across all competitions last term, operating in a number of different roles across the forward line.

The former Newcastle man spent five years on Tyneside, having been signed by Alan Pardew in 2014 for £1.5m.

Across his 195 appearances for the club, Perez scored 45 goals before moving on in a £30m deal to Leicester in 2019.

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Newcastle United clearly have an eye for a player

Quite evidently, Newcastle have always had an eye for a player but it’s been the environment that hasn’t always allowed talents to flourish prior to Eddie Howe’s arrival.

Indeed, Perez enjoyed a good spell in the North East but the likes of Joselu and Mikel Merino are two examples of players who have gone on to reach lofty heights away from St James’ Park.

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