Panathinaikos are interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Mehdi Abeid this summer, according to The Chronicle.
The Algerian U-23 international spent a year on loan with Panathinaikos last year, and the club are looking to re-sign him on a permanent deal this summer. Newcastle were willing to sell the midfielder to Panathinaikos at the end of last season, but hit a stumbling block over the fee. The Greek side are prepared to pay £300,000 for Abeid but United are asking for a larger fee.
Newcastle’s hierarchy have a few question marks over Abeid’s passing ability and are willing to sell him this summer, much to the annoyance of the Geordie faithful. As it stands, the club are not actively looking to sell the fan favourite and will not listen to offers until they have secured Premier League safety.
They are heading into the final game of the season, at home to West Ham, with a possibility of relegation to the Championship. If the club does get relegated, then the Magpies may end up keeping the 22-year old midfielder. It is believed Abeid would welcome a return to Greece as he is desperate for first-team football, although he has managed 16 appearances in what has been an injury-hit campaign.
The Chronicle are also reporting that Newcastle have drawn up an alternative short-list of transfer targets if they do drop into the second tier of English football. Yet, even if they are relegated on Sunday, Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez will not be receiving new contracts.
