Nolito 'tracked by QPR and Newcastle scouts with summer bids planned'

Posted Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by Metro.co.uk

Barcelona forward Nolito is understood to be on the radar of Newcastle and QPR, with Rangers boss Neil Warnock hinting that he's ready to begin the search for summer transfer signings.

Nolito 'tracked by QPR and Newcastle scouts with summer bids planned'
Target: Barcelona product Nolito (left) could be sold to a Premier League club in the summer

Languishing in Barcelona's reserve team, Nolito has rejected a contract extension to stay at the Nou Camp and is openly searching for a new home to resurrect his career.

With first team places at a premium and the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta standing before him, the 24-year-old's future naturally lies at a move abroad and the Premier League could be the perfect home.

A product of the Barcelona's youth system, Nolito's style could compliment what's already been on offer at Loftus Road this season with Adel Taarabt providing breathtaking moments of flair during QPR's now seemingly inevitable promotion from the Championship.

QPR manager Neil Warnock this week said he knows what he needs to bolster the squad should they gain promotion into the top flight and that talks have begun with club stakeholders Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore about generating transfer funds.

'I told them about the type of player I'm looking for, but I don't want to start talking about the number of players we should bring in until we know where we are,' Warnock said.

'We need quite a number of players for the squad though. We need to fill the 25 places.

'Obviously players will be leaving as well, but let's get there first before we have a fuller discussion.'

With Nolito's contract coming to an, it's possible that he may be able to leave Barca on a free transfer and join QPR at a bargain basement price.

Newcastle plush with funds from Andy Carrol's departure are the other potential suitors with the Toon saying they are prepared to invest in the club for the future.

Netting 12 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances so far this season, Nolito is currently valued at around £2million, but proven experience at a top level may work against him when negotiating with a new club.

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola awarded Nolito two first team chances to prove himself but the young striker looked uneasy and nervous.

The Cataln club has confirmed Nolito is looking elsewhere, but reiterated that everything was done to keep him at Barcelona.

'We have offered him a contract extension, but he didn't accept it. Barca vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu said.

'We would love to keep him at the club, but he has turned us down.'