Jesse De Preter has told DH Les Sports+ that Jason Denayer remains open to extending his contract at Lyon and snubbing a free transfer away, amid interest from Newcastle United.
Denayer has less than four-months left on the terms he signed at the Groupama Stadium after joining in 2018. Lyon signed the centre-back to a four-year deal upon his arrival from Manchester City in a €13.5m (£11m) move, which net the Citizens an upfront €10m (£8m).
The Belgian never featured for the Etihad Stadium side during his five-years on their books. But Denayer proved a mainstay of Les Gones’ backline through his first three seasons with the Ligue 1 outfit. However, he is yet to regain a role since suffering an injury in December.
Denayer had hit great form earlier this season and offered three goals plus an assist in 14 Ligue 1 games. The 33-cap Belgium international had only scored three times and offered an assist over his previous 87 French top-flight outings. But Peter Bosz is yet to recall him.
Agent claims Newcastle target Denayer ‘remains open’ to new Lyon contract
Newcastle are monitoring Denayer’s situation at Lyon in view of a transfer with his contract expiring, per Chronicle Live. The Belgian is also open to a return to the North East following his loan spell with Sunderland during the 2016/17 season while a Manchester City player.
The Toon may face strong competition from Serie A sides like Napoli for a transfer, though, per Jeunes Footeux. Denayer also wants a €5m-a-year (£79k-a/w) contract to leave Lyon in June. While Le Quotidien du Sport also report playing time is key ahead of the World Cup.
But Denayer’s agent, De Preter, states money will not define where the defender plays next season. The 26-year-old is also still open to extending his stay at the Groupama Stadium.
“Jason remains open to an extension,” De Preter said. “He is in a comfortable situation and has the luxury of being able to weigh the pros and cons in order to make the right decision.
“He is entering the best four or five-years of his career and wants to make a purely sporting choice. If it was only a question of money, he would have already signed elsewhere.
“If he has to leave Lyon, he wants to do it as he arrived: as a gentleman. But we want to avoid getting into a conflict. We want to prevent the situation from becoming explosive.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
