Yoan Gouffran has been a surprise star for Newcastle United this season.
French club Lille are interested in a January move for Newcastle United midfielder Yoan Gouffran, reports The Northern Echo.
The Frenchman’s contract on Tyneside is set to expire at the end of the season, and the Ligue 1 club are believed to be willing to offer the 30-year-old a two-and-a-half year deal to leave Newcastle and return to France.
Yoan Gouffran of Newcastle United in action with Luke Chambers of Ipswich Town
Gouffran has been the biggest surprise package this season for the Magpies, playing a crucial role in Newcastle’s dominance of the Championship. The winger has been so important to Rafael Benitez, with Newcastle never losing when Gouffran has played.
However, Newcastle’s number 20 is not guaranteed to be rewarded with a new contract to stay in the North East, with the club previously reluctant to offer new deals to players in their thirties.
Newcastle’s Yoan Gouffran in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi
A long-term deal from Lille could be too hard for Gouffran to turn down at this stage of his career, but Benitez will surely want to keep the man who has played such a key role in Newcastle’s surge up the Championship table.
Whether Gouffran can perform at such a high level should Newcastle return to the Premier League remains to be seen, and the surprise star may see a return to France as the best option for his career.
Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran celebrates with teammates after he scores his sides second goal
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