Newcastle United struggled to land their ideal signing ahead of their Premier League rivals during the summer transfer window.
The Magpies have had a difficult summer transfer window at times as they pursued a number of different options from their shortlist.
Nick Woltemade was set to arrive from VFB Stuttgart while big money was also spent on Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey who all arrived before the window closed.
However, there were other names on Eddie Howe’s wish list as the manager was desperate to add new recruits to his squad in a bid to increase and improve depth to compete in the Champions League.
Newcastle were missing Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool and, somewhat ironically, also lost their number one striker in Alexander Isak to the Reds after a long-running saga over the summer months.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the transfer target of Newcastle and Manchester United
The Tyneside team also had their eye on Brighton’s Joao Pedro before opting for a move to Chelsea. They wanted Nicolas Jackson, who left the Blues for Bayern Munich, on loan and they were interested in James Trafford, who signed for Manchester City.
Benjamin Sesko also chose Manchester United over St James’ Park and it is there at Old Trafford where Howe and Newcastle face a new challenge as they look to add a new goalkeeper to their squad.
According to Spanish outlet SportBoth clubs are seriously interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who could leave the Catalan giants in January or next summer.
Barca boss Hansi Flick made the decision to sign another stopper in the summer with the aim of making him his number one at the Camp Nou in the form of Joan Garcia.
They have lost Newcastle’s transfer targets
The former Espanyol custodian was a top target but has since suffered an injury that has kept him sidelined at times this season.
Ironically, Ter Stegen was also beaten this campaign and found himself in the stands, while Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny started in their place.
However, the plan for the future is to get Garcia between the sticks and that means Ter Stegen’s future remains up in the air.
He has a contract until 2028, but both Newcastle and Manchester United could opt for the player, with Nick Pope at times unconvincing for the Magpies, while Andre Onana could leave the Red Devils permanently.
Tottenham Hotspur are said to have previously been in contact with Barcelona about their player, while AS Monaco are interested in Ligue 1.
It is also claimed that Barcelona will not approve any form of loan with option or obligation unless the player specifically requests an exit – which he has not yet done despite having a “clear market” in England’s top flight.
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