Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has been given a late chance to land the signature of Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer, after Rodrigo’s rumoured move from Valencia to FC Barcelona collapsed.
Bruce is believed to be keen on signing Alcacer ahead of Friday’s deadline, having identified the Spaniard as someone who could arrive at St. James’ Park in the winter market and instantly improve our goal-shy offence.
Alcacer has rarely featured in the Bundesliga under boss Lucien Favre this season, whom he is said to no longer share a strong relationship with despite being a key figure for the Swiss head coach last season.
The 26-year-old’s fall from grace at the Westfalenstadion could see Alcacer leave this month, too, with Dortmund placing a €40million (£33.8m) asking price on the 19-cap international.
BVB also need to sell Alcacer before the January window slams shut in order to fund a move for Juventus midfielder Emre Can, as they cannot afford the German whilst the former Barcelona striker remains on their books.
Newcastle are claimed to have offered Dortmund a loan-to-buy deal for Alcacer, which would see the seven-goal forward move to St. James’ Park for the remainder of the season before Toon chiefs can purchase him for £25m.
But the club faced a major hurdle in our pursuit when reports in Spain claimed Alcacer had agreed on a contract with Valencia, though his return to the Mestalla hinged on Rodrigo joining Barcelona.
Can we pull off a late swoop for Alcacer?
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Rodrigo’s move to the Camp Nou is now said to be off, however, with Mundo Deportivo claiming Barca have refused to pay what Los Ches are demanding for the 28-year-old who was in Catalunya for his medical on Tuesday.
Barca CEO Oscar Grau and Technical Secretary Eric Abidal have now walked away from negotiations for Rodrigo, potentially permanently damaging Valencia’s hopes of seeing Alcacer back at the Mestalla this month.
Valencia’s loss could well be our gain, and with the winter market winding down to its final days and hours, Managing Director Lee Charnley and head coach Bruce will need not to hesitate and swiftly recommence negotiations with Dortmund over a deal for Alcacer.
Given the distance in valuations, there likely will be some room for both sides to move before a deal can be reached, but BVB’s need for cash in order to sign Can for €23m (£19.4m) could well lean in our favour.
In other Newcastle United news, the club have gained a welcome boost in the hunt for a £60k-p/w long-term Bruce target.