AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez looks to be on the move from the Italian side this summer but while he was expected to head to Al-Hilal for £30 million, the Frenchman is having second thoughts.
Milan and Al-Hilal had agreed on a £30 million fee for the 27-year-old to head to Saudi Arabia, where he'd have scooped a nice £17 million salary, according to GOAL, but it seems that Hernandez' preference is to remain in Europe.
A player choosing integrity over money - there is hope for the game yet!
Now that Theo Hernandez is having second thoughts, Calciomercato reports that Newcastle United and their upcoming Sela Cup opponents, Atletico Madrid are set to duke it out for the 2019 Champions League winner.
Advertisement
Milan theo jpg
Getty Images
Theo Hernandez to turn down Saudi Arabia move
Theo Hernandez' arrival at Newcastle could be bad for Lewis Hall
We've long been admirers of Theo Hernandez, and the Frenchman has been linked with Newcastle in the past, but if there's truth to these rumours, you've got to feel bad for Lewis Hall.
Hernandez is a left-back, and while Newcastle could certainly do with another quality player for that position, Lewis Hall had pretty much made the role his own before his injury cut his season short in March.
Tino Livramento has been excellent filling in for Hall, but he is a right-back by trade.
Advertisement
Theo Hernandez would be an excellent signing for Newcastle despite the risk
Matt Targett is our other out-and-out left-back back but he has proven he can't be relied upon, so bringing in another face for that position makes sense.
However, Hernandez, should he arrive at Newcastle, will oust Lewis Hall from the number one pick for that position, you'd have to imagine, which is bound to be a kick in the teeth after working so hard.
Eddie Howe has often said he wants two top players for each position, and in Hernandez and Hall, he'd certainly have that for left-back.
If we could pick him up for £30 million and see off the competition from Atleti, we'd be well up for this move, as long as it doesn't push Hall out the door.