Newcastle star Ayoze Perez could be about to secure a return to Spain, as Goal understand Valencia are ‘keen’ on signing the 25-year-old.
Perez recently emerged as one of five players thought to be considering their Untied futures following Rafa Benitez’s departure, with Isaac Hayden, Fabian Schar, Frederico Fernandez and Martin Dubravka also questioning whether the Magpies are still the club for them.
CD Tenerife product Perez has not hidden his desires to one day return to his home country throughout his five-year stay on Tyneside, either, and told Spanish radio network Cope Radio earlier in the month that he was ‘delighted’ that Valencia had shown an interest in his availability.
It was noted at the time that the fourth-placed La Liga finishers had reached out to his representatives InterLex Sport to see if the forward would be interested in a move to the Mestalla, which was then forwarded onto the former Spain U21 international.
Although Cope Radio did not suggest how much the Champions League-bound outfit would be able to offer us for Perez’s services, Goal claim Newcastle chiefs have slapped a €25million (£22.4m) asking price on his head, which is currently out of Valencia’s price range.
The allure of UEFA’s premier European competition could boost their hopes of the 17-goal star (13 scored, four assisted in all competitions) forcing his way out of St James’ Park, though, given the 5 ft 8 attacker is intent on leaving the Premier League now that Benitez has departed.
His desires to leave the English game will certainly be disheartening for the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well, as the North London rivals had both been linked with moves for Perez this summer.