‘I’ve been told’ - Journalist reacts as Newcastle tipped to sign 19-goal Spain hero and Premier League winner

Newcastle United have made an opening bid of £15m plus £5m in add-ons for Barcelona winger Ferran Torres, according to reports from Spanish outlet Jijantes FC.

The outlet reports that Barcelona are desperate for funds this summer and claims that they are willing to offload Torres for the right fee as Hansi Flick aims to usher in a new era of talent at the Nou Camp next term. Newcastle are in the market for a right-sided forward this summer, amid reports that one or both of Miguel Almiron and Yankuba Minteh could be sold during the summer transfer window.

Most Magpies fans will be fairly familiar with the talents of Torres. The 24-year-old winger rose to prominence in the Valencia academy in 2017 before sealing a £20m move to Manchester City in 2020. Torres was already a European Championship winner for Spain at U17 and U19 level and was touted to become a major star for Pep Guardiola’s team for years to come.

He showcased this potential in his first season by bagging seven goals in 24 league appearances - including a hat-trick against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle in front of the St James’ Park faithful. Torres won the Premier League and League Cup double in his first season, but was surprisingly sold after just 18 months to Barcelona who agreed to sign him for £47m in January 2022.

Since arriving in Catalonia, he has scored 23 goals in 105 appearances in all competitions while providing 13 assists and has lifted one La Liga title and the Supercopa de Espana.

The 24-year-old has mainly been used as winger for Barcelona, but at international level for Spain he has thrived as a striker and his tally of 19 goals in 41 caps makes him the second highest scorer in the team’s Euro 2024 squad behind only national team captain Alvaro Morata.

Torres’ would likely be a first choice starter on the right wing if he arrived at St James’ Park and his ability to help out as a forward would also be useful given Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson’s injury record.

The fee quoted by Jijantes FC is just a third of the £45m figure that Barcelona paid just 30 months ago and it is suspected that they will be looking for a higher fee if he was to leave. However, Telegraph Sport reporter Luke Edwards is sceptical of the link entirely and took to X to say: “I’ve been told there is no truth in claims Newcastle have bid for Ferran Torres.”

He claims the Magpies top target remains West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, who has featured in numerous recruitment discussions in recent months. The Magpies were close to signing Bowen from Hull City in 2020, but missed out due to a lack of funds provided by former owner Mike Ashley.

Bowen scored 19 times in 43 appearances for West Ham, and like Torres, the England international can play both as a winger and as a centre forward.