Newcastle United have held “positive talks” with Manchester City about a deal for Nico Gonzalez, according to reports.
The i Paper claim that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, but a fee of around £50m could be enough to snap up the Spaniard.
Gonzalez is seen as a “replacement” for captain Bruno Guimaraes, who was sold to Premier League champions Arsenal earlier this month.
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There is cautious optimism that a transfer can be finalised for Gonzalez, and the Magpies are keen to get the midfielder in as soon as possible, pending an agreement with the player.
Gonzalez has expressed a desire to stay at City
The 24-year-old spoke out earlier this month about his future, and he made it clear that he wasn’t intending to leave the Etihad Stadium:
“I’m happy here. I don’t want to leave, and I think the club wants me to stay. I haven’t seen anything, but I’m happy here. I don’t think any player has the position guaranteed for all the matches. Everyone has to work hard.
“We are one of the best teams in the world, and obviously there is competition in every position. That is what makes us be in the position that we are, winning so many Premier Leagues and competing for everything.”
It remains to be seen whether Gonzalez has altered his stance since making these comments. He only came on as a late substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield last weekend.
Newcastle are not confident they can sign him before Sunday
The i Paper claim that the Magpies are still “pushing” to get a new recruit in before this weekend’s season opener against Liverpool.
However, that is not a realistic timetable, as the player would have to be registered by 12 PM on Friday. That deadline may have already passed by the time you read this.
Even so, it looks like Gonzalez is the top target to strengthen the club’s options in the middle of the park. Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur may have been snapped up, but manager Matthias Jaissle is keen for a more senior figure to be brought in who can provide leadership.
A move for Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg failed to materialise, and while Gonzalez is certainly not as experienced as the Dane, he is a seasoned campaigner, having won trophies at both Porto and City.