Journalist Simon Phillips says Newcastle United are 'interested' in signing Jorginho, but would rather wait until the summer when he becomes a free agent.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interest

North East reporter for The Daily Mail Craig Hope recently reported that Jorginho is one of number of midfielders on the Magpies' 'radar' in January, as they look to strengthen in that position.

He is out of contract in the summer, meaning that he can also leave Chelsea as a free agent at the end of the season.

The Latest: Want to wait

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips has shared that the St. James' Park outfit are definitely 'interested' in Jorginho, but would rather wait until the summer to sign him on a free transfer, rather than paying a fee in January:

“I know that Newcastle are interested, but I was told that they’re much more interested in the summer, when he could become a free agent.

“Newcastle aren’t that keen to pay a fee for him in January, even though they do want a new midfielder as well.

“They’re looking at lots of other targets and they are looking at Jorginho more as a free agent rather than paying anything.”

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The Verdict: Get him for free?

There is no doubt that Jorginho can be 'world class' on his day, as dubbed by former Newcastle defender Jose Enrique, and he is a player former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel rates very highly following their UEFA Champions League title win together in the 2020/21 season, where he was also named Europe's best player at the end of it (Transfermarkt).

However, at 31 years of age, the Italy international seems to be on the decline, with journalist Rob Pratley noting his performance in the Blues' recent 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League as 'so poor'.

Indeed, he ranks as low as 14th in terms of Chelsea's best-performing players in the top flight so far this term, and there are no signs of the club wanting to keep him beyond this campaign.

Still, given his experience, and the fact that both Jonjo Shelvey and Matty Longstaff's deals currently expire in the summer, Jorginho could still be a valuable addition to the Magpies, especially on a free.