Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United reportedly interested in adding David Lopez

By Roy Emanuel

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 17: David Lopez of RCD Espanyol plays the ball under pressure from Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey Quarter Final First Leg match between Espanyol and Barcelona at Nuevo Estadio de Cornella-El Prat on January 17, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 17: David Lopez of RCD Espanyol plays the ball under pressure from Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the Spanish Copa del Rey Quarter Final First Leg match between Espanyol and Barcelona at Nuevo Estadio de Cornella-El Prat on January 17, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United were linked with the Espanyol defender this week.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez will be looking for the players that can help to bring positive results in 2018-19, as the Magpies aim to improve upon a strong campaign. The attack will be an area of focus, but so will the other aspects of the line-up as well.

The club have been linked with a move to sign RCD Espanyol defender David Lopez this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur also reported to be interested. The 28-year-old’s stellar play was an integral part of the Catalan side’s good run this past season, finishing 11th in La Liga.

Lopez would provide tremendous versatility, as he is able to play on the back-line along with roles in the midfield. After working his way through Espanyol’s academy, he spent two seasons in Italy with Napoli before returning to Spain in 2016.

Possessing great vision and with sharp positioning, Lopez is the type of player that Benitez has been searching for.

Fans were hoping that Jesús Gámez would be the individual to occupy various roles within the team, but unfortunately things did not work out that way.

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Unafraid to get forward when he needs to, Lopez could provide a boost at both ends of the pitch. However, the issue of his transfer fee is a significant potential problem.

The release clause

Lopez has a release clause set at €40 million, and Espanyol are not believed to be willing to change that figure.

Even if he is a player that would provide value moving forward, it is difficult to see the Toon’s board smashing the club’s transfer record to add him. There is also no guarantee that a club like Spurs will not make the decisive push for a signature.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez will want multiple strong signings this summer, although David Lopez may be out of reach in that regard.