Newcastle United's name continues to be mentioned by Ousmane Dembele's agent amid what is turning into an intense battle at Barcelona behind the scenes.
The former Borussia Dortmund star is thought to have been subject of a pre-contract deal by Newcastle if sources at the Nou Camp are to be believed.
Dembele's agent Moussa Sissoko is at war with Barca who have threatened to sell Dembele in this window if he does not sign a new contract.
Barca want to cash in on the 24-year-old rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Dembele released a statement today and said: "I am still under contract, I am fully involved and at the disposal of my club and my coach. I have always given my all for my team-mates.
"I am not a man who cheats but even less a man who is in the habit of giving in to blackmail."
The reality is Newcastle's interest in Dembele is neither here nor there given that by the time his contract expires the Magpies could have been relegated.
Shay Lugassi, of the Barca Times, told Chronicle Live: "Barca (sources) say he received a financial offer from Newcastle.
"They say it was a high monetary offer with high bonuses.
"They have been following him closely for several months and are in touch with his camp.
"In addition sources at Barcelona told that Chelsea are one of the three teams involved.
"Anything can happen in the 10 days of the transfer window and no scenario can be ruled out."
The Dembele link has not gone away at Newcastle this January but is certainly making for an entertaining watch from afar.
Newcastle sources refused to comment on Dembele this week when approached by Chronicle Live.
Sevilla's Covid problems don't help Diego Carlos deal
The Brazilian's potential move to Newcastle remains an ongoing process with Sevilla holding out for more despite a huge offer from United.
Sevilla have both injury and Covid issues with manager Julen Lopetegui also missing for the 1-1 draw at Valencia.
Newcastle remain in talks but it has proved to be a difficult deal to do far.
And talk of a second Premier League team showing interest, as well as talk in Italy of AS Roma taking a look at the situation, has hardly helped matters.
Lille president re-iterates message on Sven Botman
In a window that has resulted in Newcastle being linked with dozens of players, the Botman deal suddenly feels like a long time ago.
Nevertheless, Lille supremo Olivier Letang opted to reopen the discussion when asked about AC Milan's interest in the defender.
He said: "We won’t even discuss it.
"I have already said my piece on Sven by declaring we want to keep our best players.
"We won’t even open the door to discuss it.
"We want to keep him."
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