De Jong is spending the season out on loan to build up his fitness, with his future at St James’ unknown.
Ajax Director of Football Marc Overmars has admitted that the Eredivisie giants are keen to re-sign Newcastle United midfielder Siem De Jong but is not expecting to pick him up on the cheap, according to The Chronicle.
The 27-year-old was an almost ever-present as Ajax lifted four consecutive league crowns between 2010 and 2014 but is currently plying his trade on loan at title rivals PSV Eindhoven, linking up with his brother and fellow former Magpie Luuk.
However, a seemingly eternal cycle of injuries, from a thigh problem that kept him out for a number of months immediately after arriving to a collapsed lung, meant De Jong featured in just 26 games for Newcastle, with the inspirational Ajax captain that netted three times in home and away victories against Manchester City in the 2011/12 Champions League limited to the odd brief cameo.
However, Overmars does not believe the Championship leaders will be willing to simply write off the £6 million they paid to secure his services in 2014, according to the Daily Mail, despite Benitez attempting to trim the fat from a bloated squad.
“If Newcastle see me coming, I don’t think that they will be offering a discount for Siem de Jong,” the former Arsenal winger told Voetball Primeur, in quotes reported by The Chronicle.
Underperforming imports such as Henri Saivet, Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere were all deemed surplus to requirements at Tyneside this summer.
However, Benitez told The Chronicle recently that he wants players with a winning mentality to form the spine of his squad, suggesting that De Jong still has a part to play at St James’ Park.
A prolific title winner in Holland and a proven leader with the character to return from potentially career-destroying injuries, the midfielder’s character and determination could leave its mark on Benitez.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
