The Chronicle claim Leicester City attacker Ayoze Perez was open to a sensational return to Newcastle in January. However, a move did not materialise, and he started for the Foxes against Newcastle on Sunday.
Perez, 28, was handed only his fourth Premier League start of the season on Tyneside in what has been a difficult season for the ex-Newcastle star. It comes as he is about to enter the final 12 months of his Leicester contract.
In 2019, Perez joined Leicester for a fee of £30million (BBC) after the Spaniard clocked up 195 appearances for the Toon – scoring 48 goals and laying on 17 assists. But his future at Leicester is in doubt this summer.
Now, the Chronicle report that Perez was actually interested in rejoining Newcastle in the January window – but nothing materialised. It will be interesting to see if Newcastle pursue a move this summer.
Perez wanted Newcastle return: Should Toon consider him?
Newcastle need a right-sided winger and a possible replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin. They could also do with a striker to rival Chris Wood and Callum Wilson. So, Perez ticks the boxes in terms of what the Toon need.
Is he good enough? He had the connection with the Newcastle fans that got the best out of him, so much so it earned him a move to Leicester. Perez would certainly be available for a smaller fee than the £30million received.
It would be a move that would delight Toon fans, and he would certainly improve Newcastle. Whether he fits the blueprint of Newcastle’s long-term project is another question, with Perez turning 29 in the summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
