Reported Newcastle target Josh King has accused his former manager Carlo Ancelotti of lying to him.
The Norwegian forward joined Everton in January, but didn’t start a single game for the Toffees.
In total, he made 11 appearances off the bench, playing just 137 minutes of football.
Now King is without a club after being released at the end of the season.
He has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, who reportedly wanted to sign him last summer.
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle will be offered the chance to sign the 29-year-old.
He would certainly add more depth up top, and could reunite with former Bournemouth teammates Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser.
But based on his comments about Ancelotti, King may be looking for more guarantees about how he will be used before signing for a new team.
Josh King aims verbal volley at Carlo Ancelotti
Speaking to Norwegian website Dagbladet, King has been heavily critical of his former Everton manager.
When asked if he felt Ancelotti lied to him ahead of joining Everton, King replied: “Yes, I do.”
King went on to add: “ But yes, he lied to me. But again, there are not many honest people who work in football. Except for the players, then. I had no relationship with Ancelotti.”
Ancelotti, who is now Real Madrid manager, is yet to respond to King’s comments.
However, I think we can guarantee that the Italian won’t be looking to bring King to the Bernabeu.
But will King head to Newcastle?
Some fans think he would be a brilliant signing, but would he be a starter at St James’ Park?
If what King has said is true, he will likely want more assurances over his role. He will surely want to be a first-team regular.
Sadly, there’s no guarantee he’ll get that at Newcastle. And after the season he’s had, it would be surprising if King accepted being a benchwarmer.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
