Boost for Barcelona in pursuit of key target as Newcastle shift focus elsewhere | OneFootball

Joan Garcia has emerged as one of the key targets for FC Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old Espanyol goalkeeper is a man in demand, though, as several clubs in the Premier League also have their sights set on him.

In fact, earlier this week, reports suggested that Garcia had narrowed down his choice to two clubs – Barcelona and Newcastle United.

Newcastle move on?

However, according to a fresh update from Craig Hope of Daily Mail, Newcastle United have identified Burnley’s James Trafford as their main target for the goalkeeping position.

Indeed, the Magpies, who are preparing for another season in the UEFA Champions League, have identified Trafford as the No. 1 pick for the goalkeeping slot and could launch an offer for the Burnley man soon.

Newcastle want James Trafford. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

This shift suggests that Newcastle have dropped their interest in Garcia, despite earlier reports from within the Espanyol camp claiming that a deal with the English club was very likely.

It remains unclear if Garcia himself declined the offer from Newcastle, or if the Saudi-backed club simply chose to move forward with Trafford over the Espanyol keeper.

Either way, this comes as a welcome boost for Barcelona as they now have a competitor less in the race to sign the 24-year-old who has a €25 million release clause in his contract.

However, Manchester United are also understood to be interested in the Spanish shot-stopper and could come in with a late swoop for him.

It remains to be seen how things evolve from here with a decision from Garcia and his camp likely to arrive in the coming days.