Federico Fernandez could leave Newcastle United for a Premier League rival if the Magpies cannot agree a new contract with the experienced centre-back, as reported by the Sun (7 February, page 60).
A pillar of consistency on the shifting sands of St James’ Park, Fernandez might not be the most glamourous member of Steve Bruce’s squad but he is certainly one of the most reliable.
The 31-year-old centre-back, signed in a £6 million from Swansea City in 2018, is the archetypal 7/10 performer.
While Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar have hogged plenty of headlines over the last few seasons, most Newcastle fans will tell you that Fernandez is actually their most stable and steady central defender.
Only two players in the Premier League average more clearances per game, according to WhoScored.
But, given that Newcastle have an owner who views football through the prism of business and profiteering, it is no real surprise that the future of a 30-something, £50,000-a-week defender is up in the air.
Fernandez wants a two-year contract that would keep him on Tyneside until the age of 34. Newcastle, however, would rather hand the 32-time Argentina international an initial 12-month deal.
Interestingly, the Sun reports that Fernandez could be tempted to join a rival Premier League club if he bids farewell to Tyneside next summer.
And you can guarantee that there will be no shortage of bottom-half, top-flight clubs jostling to snap up this most solid of defensive rocks.
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