With reports claiming a number of players are unsettled, following Monday’s revelation that Rafa Benitez is set to leave Newcastle, Valencia are being linked with a move for Ayoze Perez, according to Goal.com.
It seems that any of our players are seen as fair game for rival clubs across Europe in light of Rafa’s announced departure from the club.
The article suggests that they are “close to putting together an offer” for the player, but also adds that Newcastle’s valuation of the player – £22 million – will be a stumbling block, and too high for the Spanish club.
In the current transfer market, Perez would surely be worth more than £22m, and it would be a further disappointment if he left for such a paltry fee.
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Perez hinted at a summer move earlier in the year
Perez, of course, intimated in March that his time on Tyneside may be coming to an end, and it would not be a massive surprise to see the Tenerife native return to Spain.
But it will be another blow to Newcastle, who already find themselves depleted in the striking department, with no sign of any players signing until after a new manager has been installed.
A player who has always divided opinion among Newcastle fans, Perez has the ability to score goals at vital times in important games.
Whether fans like him, or not, he will be a big miss, were he to leave St James’ Park this summer, and replacing him – and his goals – will be no easy feat for the new manager, whoever he may be.