Javier Manquillo looks increasingly likely to be on his way out of Newcastle United, with the Chronicle claiming that the out-of-contract defender has been offered to La Liga duo Real Betis and Sevilla.
A few months ago, when the season was moving along uninterrupted and Mike Ashley looked set to stick around for the long haul, it seemed only a matter of time before the journeyman right-back was offered fresh terms at St James’ Park.
Manquillo was one of Newcastle’s standout performers during the first few months of the Steve Bruce era, capping an impressive run of form with a glorious assist for Allan Saint-Maximin as Sheffield United suffered a rare home defeat to the Magpies.
But football is a fickle mistress and it appears that the rug has been pulled from under the former Sunderland defender’s feet.
By the time the summer transfer window opens, Newcastle might have Saudi Arabian billionaires pulling the strings, giving the Tyneside giants access to players they would not have even dreamed of signing during the Ashley era.
With the global health crisis forcing the Magpies to push back talks of Manquillo’s future, the 26-year-old is taking matters into his own hands.
The Chronicle claims that the one-time Atletico Madrid youngster is now giving serious consideration to a move back to his native Spain, with Real Betis and Sevilla offered the opportunity to land the former U21 international for free.
The report adds that Manquillo has not even held talks over a new deal with the Magpies. This will no doubt intrigue West Ham United boss David Moyes, who is allegedly keen to reunite with a player he worked with at Sunderland (Estadio Deportivo).
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
