Newcastle see ex-Man Utd star as ‘ideal man’ to build around

Newcastle are interested in signing former Man Utd midfielder Marouane Fellaini, according to reports in Belgium.

The 34-year-old is currently plying his trade in China having moved on from Man Utd in 2019 for £7million, and is under contract at Shandong Luneng until June 2025 after extending his contract recently.

Fellaini has contributed ten goals and one assist this season as the Chinese Super League side secured a league and cup double.

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And now Fellaini – who scored 22 goals in 177 appearances for Man Utd – is attracting interest from Premier League side Newcastle, according to Belgium publication La Dernière Heure (via Sport Witness).

After struggling to bring in some of their top targets, it is understood that ‘newly rich English club’ Newcastle could turn to Fellaini as they see him as the ‘ideal man’ to build a team around.

The report describe him as ‘living happily’ in China after emerging as a ‘major player’ and ‘real star’ for Shandong Luneng over the past couple of seasons.

Galatasary and Besiktas are ‘keen on him’, while other clubs in Qatar and Dubai are apparently interested in purchasing the Belgian.

La Dernière Heure continue by adding that Fellaini is ‘spoilt for choice’ and that Newcastle will have to put a good case forward if they want to sign him this month.

Meanwhile, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan suspects Newcastle will “overpay” for players this month and “get their pants taken down”.

“I got into this debate with Martin Keown about not getting drawn into overpaying for everything. That’s what they’re going to get forced into doing because everyone knows they’ve got more money than God,” Jordan told talkSPORT yesterday.

“Newcastle have got a decision to make… if you want to buy your way out of this problem, and if that problem resolves by paying £40million for Botman then job done.

“I’m leaning more towards get on with it, get it done, pay the money.

“They’re going to get their pants taken down whichever way they want it. People know they’re in a room with a bag of money.”