Newcastle have reportedly identified Marouane Fellaini as the ‘ideal man’ to build a team around and are plotting a stunning move for the ex-Manchester United star.
Fellaini has been playing for Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan since his reported £10.5m transfer from United in 2019.
The 34-year-old Belgian midfielder was a divisive figure at United after former Red Devils manager David Moyes signed him from Everton in a £27.5m deal in 2013.
Fellaini scored 22 times in 177 appearances for United and lifted a Europa League, an FA Cup and a League Cup in his five-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford.
The Shandong player, who is under contract until 2025, has now been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League.
La Derniere Heure (via Sport Witness) reports the ‘newly rich English club’ Newcastle believe Fellaini is an ‘ideal’ transfer target after failing to sign their top targets.
According to the Belgian newspaper, Fellaini is ‘living happily’ in China and the former United midfielder is seen as a ‘major player’ and ‘real star’ for Shandong.
Fellaini has scored an impressive 30 times and registered six assists in 80 appearances for Shandong.
La Derniere Heure added that the former Belgium international is ‘spoilt for choice’ with transfer options, with clubs in both Qatar and Dubai interested in signing him.
And Newcastle would need to present a compelling package to Fellaini in a bid to secure his services, with Galatasaray and Besiktas both ‘keen on him.’
Magpies boss Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his squad options in the January transfer window as the club fight for Premier League survival.
Newcastle are 19th in the Premier League table -- one point above 20th-place Norwich City -- and are three points off from climbing out of the relegation zone.
Amanda Staveley, who spearheaded the Saudi Arabia-led consortium that led to the acquisition of Newcastle, previously confirmed the club’s owners would back Howe in the January window.
Kieran Trippier became the first signing for Newcastle’s Saudi-backed owners after the Premier League club landed him in a £12m deal from Atletico Madrid.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Marouane Fellaini, Newcastle United, Premier League, England
Adnan Riaz