Newcastle United linked with shock move to sign former Sunderland flop

Newcastle are being linked with a surprise move for former Sunderland flop Didier Ndong with a reports claiming a deal could be done in the coming weeks.

Newcastle have deep pockets and will be looking to spend big in the summer window. However if the latest reports are true they are also keen on a bargain and Ndong is a target. This despite the fact he has already had one horror spell in the north east.

The defensive midfielder spent two seasons with Sunderland making 54 appearances. He was however involved in two relegation campaigns before leaving the Blacks Cats in 2018. Ndong’s exit was far from amicable and rumours of a return to the north of England are a surprise.

The midfielder, who cost Sunderland £13.6m, went AWOL and was eventually released. He ended up with French club Dijon and was then loaned out to Turkish club Yeni Malatyaspor. He has made 22 appearance for them this season but is now back home in Gabon.

The 27-year-old is under contract with Dijon until the end of 2023. However according to reports in his homeland a deal is in place for the end of the season.

The Gabon publication L’Union have revealed that talks have been on going and a deal is agreed. They report that Newcastle will pay Dijon a very modest £850,000 to complete the deal. The fee will be paid in two installments.

If the reports are correct Newcastle will be paying a bit more in wages though. Ndong is said to have been offered a three-year deal worth £85,000 a week.

It is not the first time Ndong has been linked with a return to England. Back in the January transfer window Hull City were said to be lining up a swoop. Nothing came of the rumours and he ended up staying where he is.

Ndong appears to be in limbo with Dijon and the reports