Anthony Gordon: Barcelona in talks to sign Newcastle forward

Barcelona have joined Bayern Munich in the race to sign Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.

The La Liga champions hold an interest in the England international and are in talks with Newcastle over a potential deal.

Although Barca have had financial restrictions in recent years, the club are understood to have the ability to spend whatever is generated from player sales.

Bayern Munich have also held formal discussions with Newcastle, but BBC Sport previously reported there was a gap in valuation between the two clubs.

Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson made it clear they will only sell players on “our terms” in March.

The club are in a relatively strong position to command a minimum of £70m for Gordon, whose contract does not expire until 2030.

Newcastle will ultimately need to trade to rebuild this summer, particularly after a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

Gordon, who has previously played for Everton, looks the likeliest of Newcastle‘s key players to depart and the club’s top-scorer was even left on the bench for the final four games of the campaign because head coach Eddie Howe had an eye on the future.

Supporters in the away end briefly sang Gordon’s name following the 2-0 defeat at Fulham on the final day in what felt like a farewell.

Howe was asked afterwards if the 25-year-old had played his last game for the club.

“I don't know, as I said in the build up to the game,” he said. “You can never predict what’s going to happen.

“He obviously goes to the World Cup now so we wish him well.”

Barcelona also hold an interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and Chelsea striker Joao Pedro.

Hansi Flick’s side have the option of signing Marcus Rashford, Gordon’s international team-mate, on a permanent basis for £26m following his loan from Manchester United.