Newcastle United look set to lose Ayoze Perez to Leicester City.
According to the Daily Star, Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez is set for a move to Leicester City – and he’ll cost just £16million.
Perez, 25, was a favourite of former Magpies boss Rafael Benitez, and many have been worried that he’ll move on after Benitez’s exit was confirmed last week.
The rumours about Leicester have been absolutely rapid though, as there haven’t even been murmurings about him potentially moving on to the Foxes, yet now he seems to be on the verge.
It’s claimed that Perez has held talks with Brendan Rodgers about a move to Leicester, and a £16million move is now close to completion in a quickfire move.
Local source The Northern Echo have added to the reports, believing that the deal is indeed close to being done for Perez to leave Tyneside.
It’s yet another piece of disastrous news for Newcastle fans so soon after Benitez’s exit, and seeing Perez leave after ending the season with eight goals in his final 10 games is particularly galling.
Yet the worst part appears to be that fee. Perez has two years left on his Newcastle deal, so selling him for such a cheap price would be indefensible.
Championship players are going for similar prices, even Daniel James, who had just one year left on his Swansea deal. Selling star man Perez to a Premier League rival for such a low price will only anger Newcastle fans even more, in what is becoming a dismal summer for the Magpies.
Hopefully, the reports of £16million are wrong, and Newcastle get more money for Perez – closer to £25million or even £30million, because that’s closer to what he’s worth – otherwise the backlash will be strong. Fortunately, The Chronicle now claim that the deal is in fact £30million, and if that’s the case, then it’s a much better deal than initially stated.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
