Newcastle named as potential bidder for ‘surprise’ Real Madrid transfer
Newcastle United seem to be one of the only clubs who could prise Isco away from Real Madrid in January, according to reports in Spain.
Isco is approaching the end of his time with Real Madrid. He has represented the club since 2013, when he joined from Malaga. His gametime has decreased in recent years, though. With a contract expiring at the end of the season, his future looks to be elsewhere.
The attacking midfielder has long been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu. Arsenal have recently been mentioned as potential suitors, for example.
But Newcastle were recently thrown into contention for the 29-year-old’s signature. Isco was named as a potential target for the newly rich Magpies by AS.
An update has now arrived from El Espanol, who claim Newcastle could provide Madrid with their last chance to sell Isco before his contract ends.
As things stand, the Spain international will walk away from the capital club for nothing at the end of the season. But since there will be no new contract, Los Blancos could still try to cash in next month.
According to the report, it would take a “surprise offer” for Isco to leave in the winter. Newcastle could be the ones to present his “last big chance”.
Newcastle are aiming to make star signings in January after their recent Saudi-backed takeover. It is their first real chance to show their intent with their wealth.
How Isco would feel about joining Newcastle, who are in a relegation battle but could afford his wage demands, remains to be seen. But he would certainly help them if he was to join.
Alternatively, he could decide to wait and assess all the options available to him when he becomes a free agent.
Isco not only Newcastle midfield target
Meanwhile, another midfielder of a different profile to be linked with Newcastle is Georginio Wijnaldum.
The 31-year-old left Liverpool in the summer following the club’s failure to offer him a suitable contract. As a result, he moved to PSG as one of a few headline-grabbing free transfers.
At Anfield, Wijnaldum was a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp. He played a vital role in their run to Champions League and Premier League glory.
At PSG, though, he has faced more competition for minutes. In fact, he is in a battle with the likes of Ander Herrera, Idrissa Gueye and Marco Verratti.
And Wijnaldum has often been a bit-part player, subsequently admitting in October that the situation is “not what he wanted”.
TEAMtalk revealed in November that PSG have told the Netherlands international to be patient. What’s more, Newcastle began to keep tabs on him for if he became available.
According to the latest from L’Equipe, though, Wijnaldum is now a firm January target. The Magpies want to bring the midfielder back for a second spell at St James’ Park.
Indeed, Wijnaldum made his name at Newcastle and his form there convinced Liverpool to snap him up on a five-year contract in 2016.
Liverpool could not convince the midfielder to stay, with his wages playing a part in that. PSG had no problem in meeting those demands and neither would Newcastle, who now receive financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
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