Newcastle deal “one to watch” as Howe eyes £8m “genius” who can be his own Mahrez - opinion

Newcastle United could still be in the running to sign Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech, with the Moroccan facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, who was speaking on The Done Deal Show, the Magpies’ potential interest in the 29-year-old is “one to watch” in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with the former Ajax man seemingly set to leave the Blues this summer.

The transfer insider stated: “I know that Newcastle United like the player as well, and that’s one to watch even though they’ve actually been more linked with Timo Werner, who I think will want, and is pushing for, that loan move back to Leipzig.”

The 40-cap gem – who arrived in west London on a £33.3m deal two years ago – is said to be available for as little as £8m, with Serie A champions AC Milan also believed to be in the running.

Having thus far been left frustrated by the club’s lack of attacking signings, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe would undoubtedly be ecstatic if were he to land such a talented figure for what would represent a total bargain.

Although it has failed to work out for the £100k-per-week Moroccan during his time in the Premier League thus far – with just six goals and six assists in 46 league games – that is perhaps been influenced by Thomas Tuchel’s unwillingness to hand him a consistent run in the team, with Ziyech having made just 14 top-flight starts last term.

Prior to joining his current club, the £25.2m-rated forward had dazzled during his time in Amsterdam, racking up an immense tally of 49 goals and 80 assists in 164 games in all competitions for the Eredivisie giants.

The fleet-footed “genius” – as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – notably recorded a staggering haul of 21 goals