Newcastle have unearthed a potential stumbling block in their pursuit of Bordeaux star Henri Saivet, after the Senegal international voiced concerns over the Magpies’ league position.
Steve McClaren and his team have been hard at work over the past few days contacting several clubs regarding the availability of a number of Newcastle’s January targets.
Among the names on the club’s shortlist is Senegalese midfielder Henri Saivet – a player who originally started out as a winger, before adapting to a deep-lying midfield role in the centre of the park.
The 25-year-old has attracted attention from a number of clubs across Europe, including Premier League duo Bournemouth and Southampton, but it is Newcastle who lead the chase and are favourites for his signature.
However, according to The Chronicle, Saivet is having second thoughts about moving to Tyneside due to Newcastle’s current league position. The deal is not completely dead in the water, but Steve McClaren’s team will need to do more to convince Saivet that he can achieve his dreams at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Mike Williamson and Gael Bigirimana look set for permanent exits this month, to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City respectively, as Newcastle look to reduce the wage bill.
