Newcastle United favourite 'likely' to leave this summer, ex-Magpies star 'eyed' by Barcelona in shock move

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Newcastle United face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium tonight knowing a win will virtually guarantee another season of Premier League football.

Steve Bruce’s side lost 2-0 to Arsenal last time out and return to the ground they lost 5-0 on last season.

Ahead of kick-off, there has been plenty of transfer gossip swirling around the web – and here’s the latest.

Andy Carroll ‘likely’ to leave Newcastle this summer

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll. (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Andy Carroll is likely to leave Newcastle when his contract expires this summer, as claimed by The Times.

The Geordie striker has started just eight Premier League games in the two seasons following his return from West Ham United in 2019.

And having come off the bench 33 times during that period, the 32-year-old is expected to depart at the end of the season and seek regular first-team football.

Meanwhile, it is reported Dwight Gayle has signed a three-year extension while Fabian Schar’s one-year option has also been activated.

Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez are also out-of-contract in the coming months.

Mikel Merino to… Barcelona?

Barcelona could reportedly move to sign former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Merino spent just one season at St James’s Park before joining Real Sociedad in a £10million deal, three years ago.

In returning to Spain, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the most consistent midfield performers in La Liga and earned a place in the national team.

The Catalan giants, as per Mundo Deportivo, are keen admirers of Merino, who has a £52million release in his Sociedad contract.

Magpies show interest in Championship midfielder

Newcastle United are among a number of clubs showing interest in Cardiff City midfielder Will Vaulks.

That’s according to WalesOnline, who claims Steve Bruce’s side are considering a move for the Wales international this summer.

Vaulks has been a star performer for the Championship side this term, which has not gone unnoticed by teams elsewhere.

It is believed Newcastle, along with Norwich City and Sheffield United, have registered an interest in the 27-year-old.

Should his £7million valuation be met, the Bluebirds will find it difficult to turn it down as Mick McCarthy looks to add depth to his squad next season.