Manchester United
Premier League • England
EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle ready to swoop as PSG warn star over game time
Paris Saint Germain have told a big-name summer signing to be patient as he struggles for game time amid talk of a potential exit, TEAMtalk understands.
PSG beat Barcelona to the free transfer signing of former Liverpool man Gini Wijnaldum over the summer. But he has been limited to just seven starts, and just three of those have resulted in him playing 90 minutes.
The 31-year-old has seen his playing time limited under former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Now Wijnaldum’s feelings are clear, and his representatives have already looked at potential options. However, sporting director Leonardo has made it clear the club are not ready to let him leave.
We can reveal one of the clubs keeping tabs on his situation is former side Newcastle, who have made it clear they would be interested – if he was to become available.
Wijnaldum believes he could still play a key role at PSG but will also be keeping a very close eye on the situation surrounding Pochettino.
The Argentine is currently the leading contender to take over at Manchester United. However, he distanced himself from those rumours ahead of PSG’s clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night.
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Newcastle making progress in fresh appointment
Meanwhile, Newcastle are reportedly making firm progress in their bid to appoint Ramon Planes as their new sporting director – despite claims that two of European football’s big hitters are also eyeing the Spaniard.
The Magpies begun the bright new era of Eddie Howe with a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Brentford at St James’ Park. While their new coach was absent after a positive covid test, his influence was certainly felt. But with Newcastle rooted to the bottom of the table and winless in 12, plenty of hard work lies ahead.
Indeed, first on their agenda is to appoint a new sporting director to assist Howe in his transfer business.
Marc Overmars and Edwin van der Sar have both seen their names mentioned with the vacancy. However, reports earlier this month claimed that Planes was emerging as their top target.
Those hopes have now been given a significant shot in the arm amid following his departure at the Nou Camp.
As per Sport, Planes sought to leave following Xavi Hernandez’s appointment as boss. Furthermore, it’s reported that Planes is ‘studying offers’ from elsewhere.
Indeed, they state he has a ‘number of important offers on the table’ and is ‘studying the possibility’ of moving to Tyneside. Planes is reportedly ‘hungry’ to get back into the game as soon as possible and will soon give Newcastle an answer.
Planes a man in demand
However, as per the Spanish outlet, Newcastle aren’t the only ones keen on Planes. Indeed, they claim both Bayer Leverkusen and Roma are considering approaches to Planes.
And they insist the possibility of him heading to Roma is gaining weight in recent days.
Roma, do however, already have Tiago Pinto as their sporting director. To that end, it remains to be seen how they will accommodate Planes.
In conclusion, Sport claim Planes will have a new team before the end of the year. Furthermore, they expect Newcastle to have their answer ‘very soon’.
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