Newcastle United have reservations over Hakim Ziyech with a move unlikely to happen, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Ziyech’s situation

Ziyech has found himself on the cusp of plans at Chelsea this season with the 29-year-old playing just seven Premier League games, only two as starts.

He’s yet to register a goal or an assist in 11 outings in all competitions with time seemingly running out on his career in West London.

Morocco’s World Cup star has even been offered as a make-weight in the Blues' pursuit of Enzo Fernandez, with Portuguese outlet Record, claiming Chelsea are willing to offer Ziyech as part of the fee to Benfica.

The Latest: Newcastle an option?

With Newcastle’s new riches, it’s unsurprising to see them linked with moves for top stars at cut prices with them currently third in the table.

However, speaking on Steve Wraith’s YouTube channel, Jacobs revealed although interested, the Magpies have concerns over his wage demands.

(55:58) “Is there an interest? Yes, and is the deal possible? Yes, and that's obviously the case with Thuram in the summer, and it's also the case with Ziyech for example now, but there's the wages.

“And if you just bring in Ziyech mid-season to get all of the glory of the foundations that Newcastle have set up and you pay him £70k potentially above some of Newcastle's key players then it rocks the boat, it rocks the dressing room and Newcastle just won't do that and Ziyech’s not going to move to Newcastle and want to cut his wages significantly,” Jacobs said.

The Verdict: Wages a problem

As Jacobs said, the dressing room happiness and cohesion is sky high at Newcastle at the minute, potentially making it harder to do deals with so much to consider in how a move could affect the balance of the side.

Although Ziyech, who is 'in trouble' at Chelsea given his current position, is undoubtedly a gifted player, with David Maddock previously dubbing him an “amazing talent”, a player like him whose creative ability completely outweighs his effectiveness out of possession, does warrant concerns within the club amid their current form.

His £100k-per-week wages, (via salary sport) would likely be required to be paid in full by the Toon if a loan deal happens whilst a permanent move would create more problems such as agent fees and signing on bonuses potentially making the deal even tougher.