Ligue 1 giants Lyon want to keep Jason Denayer, president Jean-Michel Aulas explains via Voetbal Krant, but the Newcastle United target still hasn’t signed a new contract amid a potential Premier League return.
The former Manchester City and Celtic defender has played more games for his country than he has for his club in 2022.
In fact, his appearance in Belgium’s 2-2 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland last week was his first since a clash with crisis-club Bordeaux in early-December.
Injuries and illness have played their part. But Denayer returned to full fitness a couple of weeks ago. And, still, coach Peter Bosz has refused to re-introduce him to the Lyon XI.
Is Jason Denayer heading to Newcastle?
It is no secret that Denayer, who was once tipped to become a ‘world-class’ centre-half by former Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, is out of contract this summer.
And it seems that Bosz is reluctant to field a player who is not part of Lyon’s long-term plans. Having said that, Les Gones have not yet accepted defeat as they look to tie down the 26-year-old to a new deal.
“It is still our intention to extend Denayer’s contract,” explains the eternally-outspoken Aulas. “What is the probability that it will still happen? That (decision) is in Jason’s camp.”
According to The Athletic, Newcastle United have held talks with Denayer and Lyon team-mate Moussa Dembele regarding potential moves to St James’ Park.
The Magpies have already signed one Lyon player this year – £33 million Brazil playmaker Bruno Guimaraes – and also made an attempt to land Lucas Paqueta.
As for Denayer, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez would certainly give a potential move to Tyneside his seal of approval (VP).
The defender is a key part of his Rote Duivels squad, after all, and his lack of game-time is a worry with the World Cup and Nations League on the horizon.
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“He needs to get fit through these (international) games,” explains the former Everton boss. “I hope he can play a lot with us so that he is ready for the Nations League games.”
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