Steve Howey has warned Newcastle United to be cautious when looking to seal a fan favourite’s return to the club.
Jetro Willems is a free agent after turning down a new deal with German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
The left-back previously enjoyed a season-long loan on Tyneside and quickly became a firm favourite among the Toon Army.
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Willems, 27, made 20 appearances during his time with the Magpies and scored three goals.
However, he has opted to move on from Frankfurt after failing to make a single appearance last season.
The former Netherlands international is believed to be holding out for a move back to St James’ Park, where he struck up a good relationship with team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin both on and off the pitch.
Steve Bruce is looking to improve his options ahead of a third season at the helm but Howey, who was on Newcastle’s books for more than a decade during his playing days, has warned Willems may not be the perfect financial option.
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Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Howey said: “It could be seen as a no-brainer but sometimes players and their agents think because you’re not paying a transfer fee, the wages should go up. I think parties involved have got to be sensible about it.
“Newcastle can’t be a club trying to get a player for nothing and therefore giving him nothing weekly wage-wise. By the same token, you don’t want a player saying you’re getting me for nothing so I want astronomical wages.”
