As the January transfer window draws ever closer, Newcastle United’s lifeless squad is undoubtedly in need of a mass overhaul, and some of the club’s fringe men look set to be moved on.
One of the victims of the proposed revamp will be French forward Yoan Gouffran, with Buzzsport France reporting that the winger is currently being courted by Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne.
The Frenchman moved to Newcastle from Bordeaux for a cut price £500k fee in January, 2013, and has made over 90 appearances for the club during his spell on Tyneside.
Although Gouffran impressed during his debut season due to his tireless running and never-say-die attitude, the 29-year-old quickly slipped off the boil, and his inept performances during last season’s torrid campaign antagonised the Toon Army.
Following his appointment as Newcastle head coach in June, Steve McClaren informed Gouffran that he was surplus to requirements at the club and told the winger that he was free to leave. However, in spite of the McClaren’s desire to move Gouffran on, a lack of firm interest in the former France u21 international meant that a summer move away from St James’ Park failed to materialise.
Despite falling out of favour on Tyneside, injuries mean that Gouffran has still found himself on the periphery of the Newcastle first-team squad for a majority of the current campaign, and he was a late substitute in the Magpies’ latest 5-1 trouncing at Selhurst Park
Gouffran has 18-months remaining on his Newcastle contract and has previously indicated a willingness to stay and fight for his place at the club. However, a move back to his native France with The Greens may convince the redundant Frenchman to finally move on.
