Newcastle Suffer Blow In Pursuit Of Ajax Defender, The Player Is 'Pushing For A Move To Barcelona'

Newcastle United target Nicolas Tagliafico has set his sights on a move to Barcelona this month, according to reports.

Ajax defender Tagliafico has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, including English sides Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

He wrote on Twitter: “Nicolas Tagliafico’s pushing to join Barcelona next week.

“Ajax are still asking for permanent deal - while FCB only think of loan move. #FCB.

“Tagliafico only wants to join Barca as soon as possible - he hopes Ajax will let him go on loan with this big chance for his career.”

Tagliafico has made 154 appearances for Ajax, scoring 15 goals, since joining from Argentine side Independiente in 2018.

Tagliafico has won two Eredivisie titles during his time in Amsterdam and was part of the Ajax side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

Newcastle have been strongly linked with a move for the 29-year-old after missing out on Lucas Digne, who joined Aston Villa from Everton earlier this month.

Tagliafico is currently under contract with Ajax until 2023 but is determined to move to Barcelona this month.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo have also claimed the Catalan club are keen to sign Tagliafico.

Barcelona are said to be willing to offer Ajax a replacement left-back in Alejandro Balde in order to secure a loan move for Tagliafico.

However, Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag says he’s unaware of any approach for Tagliafico.

When asked about the potential transfer, Ten Hag said: "Do you sit at the table of our board?

“I don't know anything about this. [Ajax director of football Marc] Overmars didn't inform me about this and he always informs me if this would be the case."