Newcastle United were offered Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey during the summer transfer window, The Chronicle's Lee Ryder writes. 

The lowdown

The former Arsenal midfielder started 13 Serie A games for the Italian giants last season and has only been selected for one of the first six this term.

The persistent injury problems that dogged him at The Emirates Stadium have followed him to Turin (via Transfermarkt).

Ramsey did provide a reminder of his class at the summer's European Championships as he helped Wales reach the Round of 16. Team-mate Joe Allen said he delivered an 'incredible' performance in a crucial victory against Turkey, silencing the critics 'in special fashion' with the opening goal.

The latest

Ryder says that the opportunity to land Ramsey on a free transfer presented itself early in the transfer window, but 'the conversation was a non-starter'.

That wasn't because they didn't rate the player, but simply because of his almighty £400,000-per-week salary.

Juventus are now said to be inviting January offers for the 30-year-old midfielder.

The verdict

If Ramsey is to return to the Premier League at some stage, then you'd think he'll have to accept a huge pay cut. Indeed, Ryder says clubs like Newcastle 'can't even contemplate' his current salary, and it's hard to imagine him making his way back in with a 'big six' side if Arsenal were happy to let him leave.

The free transfer market could prove important for the Toon. Mike Ashley is injecting very little money, and loan deals have proven difficult because of 'expensive fees', so this may be one to keep an eye on if the goalscoring midfielder decides to cut his demands and seek more playing time.

In other news, this came under fire against Watford.