Newcastle United are now set to battle with former manager Rafa Benitez, now at Everton, to sign Gini Wijnaldum on loan in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Gini's journey

It seems like an age since Wijnaldum rocked up at St. James' Park, in a season where he contributed a very impressive 11 goals and five assists from midfield, as he played in every single game of the North East club's 2015/16 Premier League term (Transfermarkt).

Unfortunately, they were relegated at the end of that campaign, prompting the Netherlands international to leave for Liverpool, where he enjoyed so much success.

Dubbed as being 'absolutely sensational' by Tyneside legend Alan Shearer when he was Anfield back in 2018, Wijnaldum was a regular in a Reds side which eventually won both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, further showing his credentials.

Nonetheless, he moved to PSG in the summer, and may already be looking for a way out of France...

The Latest: Wijnaldum battle

As per 90min, the Magpies are one of a number of teams to have now been approached by PSG in order to try and take Wijnaldum on loan next month, following their interest in the 31-year-old.

However, Benitez is set to battle with them in order to secure his signature, while Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester City and Aston Villa are also not against the idea of snapping him up.

Any club who takes him on would have to pay a 'significant portion' of his hefty £300,000-per-week wages though, which could prove to be a stumbling block.

The Verdict: Do it

Wijnaldum would certainly be a popular addition among the Toon Army, given the albeit brief success that he had with them before.

The experience and winning mentality that he has gained since then at both Liverpool and PSG would also be vital to Eddie Howe's squad, as they aim to get themselves out of the relegation zone by the end of the season.

Nonetheless, he has shown his quality before, and so would be a shrewd addition to the middle of the park.

In other news, find out which 'warrior' NUFC are now targeting here!