Chelsea Hakim Ziyech in action
Newcastle United are ‘still hot’ on Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Ziyech
It has been reported that the Blues are reluctant to sell the to a Premier League rival amid interest from the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, instead preferring to do business with Roma, although that move appears unlikely at this stage.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed that Roma are unable to pay the Moroccan’s £100k-per-week wages, so Chelsea may be forced to strike an agreement with another English club (via Birmingham Mail).
The Latest: Newcastle ‘still hot’ on Ziyech
Jones was speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the Chelsea player’s current situation, reiterating that the Blues are reluctant to let any of their players join a domestic rival in Newcastle.
The journalist said: “It’s true that Newcastle are still hot on Ziyech, we’ve been reporting that for a few weeks now. It is understandable that Chelsea may not want to help them out.
“Certainly, in the summer window, it was the case, and last January actually, where clubs that were potential rivals to Newcastle didn’t want to give them players on loan because they didn’t want them to have an opportunity to strengthen over them.”
The Verdict: Get it done
Should the Blues soften their stance and allow the 29-year-old to join Newcastle, Ziyech would be a very nice addition to Eddie Howe‘s squad, capable of helping them to take that important next step in establishing themselves as Champions League regulars.
The former Ajax wizard has been hailed as ‘world-class‘ by Chelsea team-mate Mason Mount in the past, but he has not recorded the best goal and assist numbers in the Premier League since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. He is still yet to score in any competition this season and has made just 25 goal contributions in just under a century of appearances for the Blues.
However he would be a massive upgrade on Jacob Murphy, averaging far more assists, shot-creating actions and completed dribbles per 90 than the Englishman in the past year; and given that Chelsea seem willing to sell the 29-year-old, Newcastle could yet sign the Moroccan for a bargain price.
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