Steve Howey has urged Newcastle United to steer clear of signing Everton outcast James Rodriguez.

According to Calcio In Pillole, via Chronicle Live, the Magpies are set to hold talks with the £90,000-a-week Colombia international over a potential switch at boss Steve Bruce's request.

The interest comes after Rodriguez has been ousted from the first-team picture by new Everton boss Rafa Benitez, with the ex-Real Madrid winger yet to appear in a matchday squad this season.

Rodriguez also infuriated Toffees fans when he admitted on his Twitch account that he did not know who his current employers were playing last weekend.

Having made the move to Goodison Park last September, Rodriguez has seen his Premier League career hampered by a host of injuries and made just 26 appearances last season.

Newcastle boss Bruce is looking to strengthen his squad with the transfer deadline looming, having only signed Joe Willock for £20million from Arsenal so far, but Howey does not want to see Rodriguez heading to St James' Park.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: "I wouldn't go for him, if I'm being brutally honest. We've seen the trials and tribulations he's had at Everton and that was under Carlo Ancelotti. He couldn't get a tune out of him. 

"On his day, he is a very good player and lit the 2014 World Cup up. He is too much of a luxury player for me.

"I know what you're going to get with him and it's not a great deal, in my eyes."