Barcelona were interested in signing Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez last summer, the player has revealed.

Following relegation from the Premier League in 2015, Newcastle were faced with losing a number of their star players, with Perez linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

The 23-year-old did have the opportunity to leave the club, however, but says he was never interested in departing despite the offer of a move to Camp Nou on the table.

“I only think of Newcastle, it is true that there was interest in Barca but I am here and we have to keep working,” Perez told Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

“Thank God there was interest from several teams – for a footballer it is important.

“It was a disappointing year due to the relegation.

“Things did not go as I wanted but there were still some clubs interested that knocked on the door.

“It’s a good thing but I have my head in Newcastle and we’ll see what happens in the future.”