Newcastle United are 'really intrigued' by Hakim Ziyech and could move for the Chelsea attacking midfielder this month, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Ziyech's Chelsea future
The Blues have made a number of high-profile signings in attacking areas this month, including the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, bringing the 29-year-old's future at the club into question.
Simon Phillips has recently claimed that the Moroccan's outlook is 'uncertain', while the journalist also told GIVEMESPORT that Ziyech will 'probably push to leave in this window', opening the door for a potential move to St James' Park.
The Latest: Newcastle 'intrigued' by Ziyech
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones inferred that the 29-year-old could be one of Eddie Howe's priorities in the January transfer window.
He said: “I think Hakim Ziyech is the one to take most seriously at this stage. Newcastle are really intrigued by the possibilities he could bring to them; he’s obviously available, he’s ready for a new challenge.“
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The Verdict: Make it happen
Former England defender Glen Johnson has lauded the Moroccan as 'world-class', and Ziyech has displayed performances of that standard intermittently during his time with Chelsea, recently looking very impressive in the 1-0 home victory against Crystal Palace.
The playmaker set up Kai Havertz's headed goal with a perfectly weighted cross, while he also caused problems for Palace by completing four dribbles, the joint-most of any player on the pitch.
Ziyech has not started for the Blues on a regular basis this season, completing a full 90 minutes on just two occasions in the Premier League, but his goalscoring exploits for Morocco signify just how good a player he can be when he is made the focal point of a team, netting 19 times in 50 caps for his country.
As such, a move to Newcastle could provide a platform for him to rediscover his best form, and the injection of quality that he could provide might be a real boost in the Magpies' bid to bring Champions League football back to St James' Park for the first time in 20 years.