According to Calciomercato, Roma could now sell Jordan Veretout after he requested a pay rise, with Newcastle interested in signing him.
What’s the story?
Well, the 28-year-old Newcastle target has been asking for an improved salary for roughly a year now, according to Calciomercato.
However, due to his poor performances under José Mourinho, Roma are currently unwilling to grant his request.
Veretout already earns £91,000-a-week on his contract, which runs until June 2024, but there is now the ‘risk of divorce’ between him and Roma with Premier League sides monitoring his situation.
So far this season, the 5-cap France international has scored four goals while also providing eight assists.
Those are actually decent numbers, although Calciomercato say his displays are getting worse – he hasn’t scored in Serie A since September 26th.
Should Newcastle continue Jordan Veretout pursuit?
If this is true, we feel the Magpies should avoid a move for Veretout.
£91,000-a-week is a very generous salary, and the fact Roma’s No.17 is asking for more despite his performances worsening isn’t a good sign.
In our view, it raises question marks over the type of character he is.
Eddie Howe needs strong mentalities in the St James’ Park dressing room, not someone who will begin to down tools if their wages aren’t bumped up.
Additionally, Veretout has already experienced the Premier League with Aston Villa, and he seemed to struggle.
Admittedly, it was back in 2015 when he arrived, and the Villans were woeful, although he still failed to score in 25 Premier League appearances.
Simply put, Newcastle shouldn’t pursue this deal any further.
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