Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez has admitted being ‘flattered’ by continued interest from Premier League big guns Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but insists he is ‘very happy’ with life on Tyneside.
Louis van Gaal is believed to be an admirer of the young Spaniard and has been linked with a January move as Man United are in desperate need of some added firepower to their frontline.
Spurs are also heavily linked with a January move for Perez, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to add a creative, flair player to partner Harry Kane upfront. According to the Northern Echo, Spurs are prepared to table an initial £12million offer for Ayoze once the transfer window opens next month.
In spite of their interest, Ayoze Perez insists he is ‘very happy’ with life on Tyneside and fully focused on firing the Magpies up the Premier League table.
“I just know the same as you. What I hear, what I read… It is a great pleasure for me [to be linked with Spurs and Manchester United],” Ayoze told IBTimes UK. “It is incredible, something very big and that’s because I’m doing well but I must go on. It’s my job.”
“You never know. Football takes many turns. Today, in fact, I am a substitute [at Newcastle]. I am working hard to be in the manager’s starting plans. That’s all I think: to work. Then the fruits arrive.
I am very happy at Newcastle. They gave me everything, they made me professional.
“I want to continue working with them, trying to climb on the table and then whatever have to happens will happen.”
Ayoze then responded to questions regarding Steve McClaren’s decision to leave him on the bench for Newcastle’s trip to White Hart Lane, insisting he is patient and understands his manager’s decision.
“In the Premier League there are many rotations. I respect that,” he said.
“And what I have to do is try to take the minutes I have. I have had some talks [with McClaren]. He knows what I can give to the team. And if he sees that I’m not at my best, there is no problem to start on the bench.
“I accept that but working to return to the team. This is my job. Like today. Trying to make (an) impact when coming to the bench and then let’s see what happen in the next games,”
