A big update has emerged regarding Newcastle United's pursuit of Memphis Depay in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona want to sell the Netherlands international ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that they want €20m (£17m) for his services and that the Magpies are prepared to meet their valuation, giving Dan Ashworth the green light to swoop for the attacker.

However, the article suggests that convincing the player to make the move could be a stumbling block for the Toon, after he rejected the chance to sign for Tottenham for sporting reasons.

Imagine him & Bruno Guimares

If Newcastle can tempt Depay into making the move to St James' Park, then Eddie Howe would have an exciting pairing through the middle of the pitch with him and current Magpies gem Bruno Guimaraes.

Depay may have rejected Spurs but that may have been because of game-time concerns, as Antonio Conte already has Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Lucas Moura in attack.

By contrast, Newcastle have no players who managed more than eight goals or five assists in the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign. This suggests that the Dutchman would not face any great competition for regular minutes, which could convince him to make the move to Tyneside.

Reporter Deji Faremi once dubbed him a "magician", whilst Newcastle fans have adopted a chant including a lyric claiming that Bruno wears a "magic hat", and both he and the Magpies' Brazilian gem are capable of producing something out of nothing. 

The Barcelona talent scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 20 La Liga starts last term, after managing 20 goals and 12 assists in 33 Ligue 1 starts for Lyon the season prior. This shows that he has the quality to be an upgrade on what Howe currently has at the top end of the pitch.

Meanwhile, Bruno has shown that he can be a brilliant performer in the Premier League. Last season, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.25 as he chipped in with five goals and one assist in 11 starts for the Magpies after joining from Lyon, where he played alongside Depay in 2020/21.

Imagine them linking up again and producing magic in England as they torment opposition defences by scoring and creating goals on a regular basis. It is an exciting prospect, and one that Ashworth now has the green light to make a reality if he can tempt Depay into a transfer.

AND in other news, Ashworth can seal "exciting" signing as NUFC eye swoop for £20m "generational talent"...