Newcastle were strongly linked with a move for former Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby over the summer and, after falling out with Hamburg’s manager, he looks set to be available on a FREE in January – meaning NUFC could open talks to secure a bargain deal IF Benitez remains interested.
The Mirror broke the story over the summer, claiming both ourselves and Bournemouth were keen on bringing the German number 10 back to the Premier League, with a fee in the region of £5m being mentioned at the time by The Mirror and local press.
As we know, nothing materialised (like so many deals over the summer!), however it has now emerged that the 27-year-old is free to leave the Bundesliga side, having been left on the bench or out of their matchday squad Markus Gisdol in recent weeks.
According to reputable German newspaper BILD, talks over a new deal between Holtby and HSV broke down and ‘won’t resume’. His contract runs out next summer, but given the fall out and his reported high wages, it seems they may be happy to see him leave for nothing in January.
Given our potential lack of transfer funds and Rafa’s wish for added competition in the number 10 role, the energetic German could be a shrewd buy.
The Chronicle mentioned the following on a potential deal after learning he will be available in January:
“If Rafa remains keen, he will be able to either negotiate a cut-price deal with HSV or open negotiations with the player in January to sign a pre-contract agreement to then move for nothing in the summer.
“If Newcastle’s interest is genuine, this is a deal that they certainly hold the power in.”
Here’s him in action:
Thoughts on this one? Could be a viable option given our likely low budget this winter?
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Jamie V(Quote)