Big blow: NUFC dealt setback on “sensational” £180k-p/w ace, supporters will be gutted - opinion

Newcastle United’s new owners made no bones about diving into the transfer market at their first opportunity during the previous January window, bringing several new faces to St James’ Park and spending a significant amount of money in doing so.

However, as happens with almost all clubs, they don’t always end up signing every player with whom they are linked.

Indeed, it seems as though the Tynesiders have been dealt a potential setback regarding their pursuit of one player with whom they were linked in January and who will be very familiar to many Toon supporters.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke was talking about Newcastle’s reported interest in re-signing Georginio Wijnaldum during the previous transfer window and their chances of securing him this summer.

He said: “Newcastle were interested in Wijnaldum in January, they did look at him, but the player decided to stay at PSG with them competing in the Champions League. It’s been a real disappointing spell for Wijnaldum since his arrival at the French club from Liverpool, just hasn’t had a real run in the side, not being able to show his best.

“But as you said, if [Mauricio] Pochettino was to leave and a new manager comes into PSG, it offers a clean slate to all the players are including Wijnaldum, so he might sit and wait and see what happens at PSG before deciding his future.” 

During his spell with Newcastle in the 2015/16 season, the midfielder – who is currently picking up £180k-per-week according to Salary Sport – made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists along the way.

His performances in the league during his one season with the Magpies earned the Dutchman an overall rating