After impressing since joining from Marseille this summer, Thauvin was today among a list of players named by Spanish daily newspaper El Mundo Deportivo reportedly being targeted by Barcelona in January.
The European giants have been under a transfer embargo this summer which meant that any players signed could not play for the club until January – restricting their business.
After selling Pedro to Chelsea though, the Catalan club are said to be scouring Europe for attacking reinforcements in the next window, and the report in Spain claims Thauvin is a name likely to be on their list of targets.
Marseille captain Steve Mandanda said of Thauvin and his sale to the Magpies: “I regret it because he is above all a friend. It became difficult for him in Marseille, but I have the phone. But he is very happy at Newcastle which is most important.”