Javi Manquillo has rejected the chance to return to Spain with Real Betis, according to the Northern Echo, with the Newcastle United defender set to sign a short-term contract extension instead.
Even if the former Liverpool, Sunderland and Atletico Madrid man does put pen to paper on a deal that will see him through until the end of the Premier League season, he will find himself without a club this summer.
Unless, of course, Newcastle opt to hand Manquillo a longer contract which will keep him at St James’ Park for another year or two.
In truth, the much-travelled right-back probably deserves to stay.
Manquillo was one of Newcastle’s most reliable performers in a testing first half of the season, producing a sublime assist in a 2-0 away win at Sheffield United which looked impressive at the time and looks all-but extraordinary now.
According to the Echo, the 26-year-old does not appear to be counting down the days until his Magpies career comes to an end either.
Manquillo has rejected a move to Real Betis, turning down Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales and co in order to stick around in the north east.
Betis are currently one of the biggest underachievers in Europe, sitting 14th in La Liga despite having a squad that most teams in Spain’s top flight would be proud to call their own.
Perhaps Manquillo is waiting for a better offer. Or maybe he wants to stay at Newcastle for years to come.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
