Thierno Barry’s representatives in contact with Newcastle over possible summer move - Report

Newcastle United have been contacted over the availability of a La Liga talent who could be available this summer following some impressive form in Spain. 

Kyle Fitzgerald was recently unveiled as the latest youngster to join the academy setup, and he is expected to be joined in the summer by Malaga winger Antonio Corderio on a pre-contractual agreement.

The Magpies are yet to make a decision on Callum Wilson’s future and several potential replacements have already been linked including Victor Osimhen, Jean Phillipe-Mateta and Victor Boniface - and another in a similar mould has joined the conversation.

Newcastle offered Villarreal striker

Villarreal forward Thierno Barry is a name that has been put forward to Newcastle “via agents”, according to The Chronicle.

The 22-year-old was already on the Magpies radar before he made the switch from Basel to La Liga last summer and now plays alongside former Toon man Ayoze Perez, who joined a week prior to the Frenchman.

Barry has scored eight goals in 25 appearances for his new club, with 16 of those being starts for a Villarreal side currently fifth in the Spanish top flight. The 6’4” striker’s move from the Swiss League cost £12m, although his value has increased since then after catching the eye in La Liga. 

Could Barry replace Callum Wilson?

Of the forwards linked with a move so far this month, Barry is possibly the most realistic option to deputise for Alexander Isak if Callum Wilson is to be moved on.

From a financial perspective, the £60m release clause attached to recently linked Osimhen would have to see him considered as a replacement for Isak, not a rotation option, while Boniface would come with a large fee and significant wages to not be our first option.

Mateta and Barry can be considered in a similar position, giving up the opportunity for consistent starts to compete with Isak. Champions League qualification will ultimately determine how much pull we have when it comes to negotiations with players, especially for Barry with it a genuine possibility for Villarreal who are currently one position away from securing a spot.