Newcastle United defender Achraf Lazaar is set to hold talks with a series of Serie A sides over a potential Deadline Day exit, according to the Chronicle.
The Rafa Benitez outcast had been planning to be involved in Steve Bruce’s Toon squad following the appointment of the former Sheffield Wednesday head coach, who took the left-back on loan for the latter half of last season at Hillsborough.
However, it is claimed he is now jetting off to Italy to discuss a potential return to the Serie A after a year away, having spent the 2017/18 term on loan form United with Benevento.
Lazaar’s future has taken a change of direction against his initial hopes, as Bruce intends to leave the former Morocco international out of his 25-man Premier League squad. The 53-year-old’s decision has left the 27-year-old defender disappointed.
Discussions are now planned with several unnamed Italian sides, however his perspective return to the Serie A could drag out, with the continental market not closing at 17:00 today like the English market for top-flight and second-tier sides. Instead, Italian clubs have until September 2 to conclude their business.
A return to the Championship on Deadline Day had been muted for the 6ft defender, but appear to have been a non-starter with Lazaar flying out to Italy to hold talks.
Newcastle fans have been reacting to the Chronicle’s update in their droves, with supporters offering a mixed bag of views, as some have questioned why Bruce has refused to give him a chance.
Here’s how these Toon fans reacted…
Surely makes financial sense to write off Aarons, Lazaar, Colback than keep peddling them out on loan
— Ben (@BenMadd70239242) August 8, 2019
He finally been sold or loaned out AGAIN
— TOON BARMY (@Aggaz82) August 8, 2019
Odemwingie vibes
— Steven (@Stevie2593) August 8, 2019
The last time he was in seria A he couldn’t get a game at the league’s worst ever side !
— Nathan◼◻Moat (@nathanmoat) August 8, 2019
Hope it’s a one way flight is it?
— Nufctony (@ACunningham07) August 8, 2019
Surprised @swfc didn’t want him back too
— Matt Guest (@Guesty22) August 8, 2019
Give him away if you have to. He’s been an absolute spectator since he arrived.
— Deejay Swifty (@DeejaySwifty) August 8, 2019
Copy and paste every transfer window ????
— Dean S (@S91Dean) August 8, 2019
Loan or permanent?
— Tommy Strong (@strong_te) August 8, 2019
Why not give the lad a proper go
— Johnny Argyris (@274Johnny) August 8, 2019
Whats happening with Saivet? Had a solid AFCON. He in Bruce’s plans?
— Jordan (@JG291091) August 8, 2019