NEWCASTLE have been linked with a shock swoop for Barcelona outcast Memphis Depay, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants only signed the former Manchester United and Lyon man last summer with Xavi's attacking options thin on the ground.
But following the arrivals of Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in 2022, the club are keen to offload the forward.
According to Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, Depay, 28, has been given a "letter of freedom" – meaning he can actively contact other clubs in a desperate bid to flee the Nou Camp.
But, the cash-strapped Spaniards have told him they will demand a £17million fee before they will sanction any deal.
Depay is believed to have told the club his valuation is too steep, as he fears rotting on the bench during the 2022-23 season.
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However, Sport claim Newcastle have told Barcelona they ARE willing to pay the £17m.
Despite that, Depay could still reject a move to the newly-rich Toon.
The 80-cap Holland international is claimed to have already rejected a move to Tottenham as he hunts for a club that matches his vision.
And it's understood Depay might NOT be keen on a move to St James' Park.
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But with the World Cup on the horizon, the versatile forward knows he will need regular football or risk being axed by Louis van Gaal.
Depay scored 12 times in 28 LaLiga games last term, but saw his game-time hampered by the January arrivals of Torres from Manchester City and ex-Arsenal man Aubameyang.
With former Leeds winger Raphinha and ex-Bayern Munich star Lewandowski joining this summer – and Ousmane Dembele signing a new contract – Depay is now well down Xavi's pecking order.
Depay burst onto the scene at PSV Eindhoven over a decade ago – scoring himself a move to Man Utd in 2015.
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But after just two goals in 33 matches, he was flogged to Lyon after just a season-and-a-half.
Depay rediscovered his goalscoring touch in France and bagged a move to Barcelona following a 20-goal haul in the 2020-21 season.
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