Newcastle and Liverpool Target Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Ratiu

Newcastle United and Liverpool are on a collision course again, this time over Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu, with Nottingham Forest and Barcelona also in the frame for the Romania international, according to Marca.

Eddie Howe has made defensive reinforcements a priority at St James’ Park. Ratiu has moved towards the top of that list. At 28, with La Liga experience and a profile that blends full-back discipline with winger instincts, he fits the aggressive, front-foot style Howe wants from his back line.

The problem? Liverpool like him too.

Newcastle are still smarting from losing out to the Merseyside club earlier in the window, when Liverpool swooped in to sign Spanish attacker Victor Munoz from Osasuna. Newcastle believed they had that deal under control before it was snatched away at the last moment. That one stung.

Now comes a chance at revenge.

Ratiu’s numbers explain the scramble. He registered four assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season, having produced two goals and three assists in the same number of league games in 2024-25. Those returns, from a defender, have not gone unnoticed. His attacking qualities have drawn the eye of Barcelona as well, underlining how highly he is rated in Spain.

He is not just a runner on the overlap. Ratiu is comfortable stepping higher as a winger, using sharp dribbling and clean passing to break lines and stretch defences. For Newcastle, who often rely heavily on their wide forwards to carry the creative load, a full-back with that kind of output offers something different in the final third.

There is steel behind the flair. Ratiu relishes interceptions and defensive duels, an aggressive presence on his flank whose work without the ball remains a major part of his appeal. That blend of energy, recovery pace and end product makes him a natural fit for the intensity of the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest are also tracking him closely, sensing an opportunity if the tug-of-war between Newcastle and Liverpool drags on. A move to England looks increasingly realistic for the Rayo man, with several clubs circling and his profile seemingly tailored to the tempo and space of the league.

Newcastle, though, face a familiar obstacle. Without European football at St James’ Park next season, they go into this race at a disadvantage against clubs who can offer continental competition as part of the pitch. The project, the promise of a central role, and the chance to be a key figure in Howe’s rebuild will have to do the heavy lifting.

Liverpool have already won one battle this summer. Newcastle now wait to discover whether Ratiu becomes the moment they hit back, or another reminder of how unforgiving the modern transfer market can be without the lure of Europe.