Newcaslte may have made offer for Ziyech

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that an unnamed club tried to sign Hakim Ziyech on deadline day, and evidence suggests this could have been Newcastle United.

What’s the word?

Earlier on in January, The Telegraph reported that the Chelsea man was of genuine interest to Eddie Howe and his side but no deal ever panned out.

Indeed, it looked as though the Moroccan midfielder was desired for a loan switch to PSG instead. However, that transfer failed at the last moment due to some technical errors which didn’t see the correct paperwork completed in time.

Speaking on his YouTube channel about the situation, Romano has now revealed that the player had “some other possibilities” but turned them down.

And while he was unable to name the specific teams interested, recent evidence suggests it would have been Newcastle.

The journalist explained: “One thing about Ziyech is that he also had some other possibilities. Now I can’t mention the clubs, because otherwise they kill me, but today another club called for Ziyech.

“And he said: ‘I want to go to PSG’. He only wanted PSG.”

He concluded: “Hakim Ziyech was approached by another club they are telling me right now and he only wanted to join Paris Saint-Germain.”

Big mistake?

Seeing as Ziyech was in Paris to complete a medical and a move but Chelsea’s supposed mishandling of the paperwork scuppered the deal, he may now be regretting his decision to be so steadfast about joining PSG over any other option.

Of course, we can’t know for sure if Newcastle were one of the teams in for the attacking midfielder but seeing as they had a past interest in the player it’s a strong possibility.

What’s more, the Magpies failed with their own attempts to bring in James Maddison after getting Anthony Gordon across the line, so it seems as though they were in the market for one more signing to add to the club’s attacking depth.

Of course, Newcastle can still go back in for Ziyech in the summer when his contract will enter its final two years and so it will be interesting to keep an eye on this to see if any stronger rumours develop.