Newcastle are no longer interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha, according to Sport.

The Catalan publication claims that the Magpies have run into difficulties with Financial Fair Play and they will not be able to afford the Brazilian international.

Up until now, Eddie Howe’s team have looked the most likely club to snap up Raphinha if the former Leeds player were to leave the Camp Nou at the end of the season.

However, with Barca said to be demanding as much as €80m (£69m) for the 27-year-old, Newcastle have decided against making a bid.

Raphinha has no suitors remaining in England

Sport report that it is now “difficult” to see the Brazilian returning to the Premier League as there are no longer any clubs willing to match the forward’s asking price.

Before he joined Barcelona, both Chelsea and Arsenal were credited with an interest in Raphinha. The two London clubs had been tipped to revive their pursuit if he moved teams again but it appears that, like Newcastle, they have pulled out of the race.

Newcastle need to balance the books

It should be emphasised that the Magpies could still reignite their attempts to buy Raphinha in the future but a lot may depend on how much money they can generate from potential sales.

Bruno Guimaraes looks to be the strongest candidate to be offloaded during the summer transfer window. Raphinha’s international teammate reportedly has a £100m release clause in his contract, and the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are said to be keeping tabs on his situation.

Fans would, of course, love to keep the midfielder but some tough decisions will have to be made to ensure the club stay on the right footing financially.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here