Abde Ezzalzouli still tracked by Newcastle as Aston Villa withdraw from race - Report

Newcastle United are still thought to be monitoring the situation of Morocco winger Abde Ezzalzouli.

The Magpies have been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old all summer, and it was suggested that they would wait until the conclusion of the World Cup to make a move.

Abde has a €60 million (£51 million) release clause in his Real Betis contract, which runs until 2029, leaving the Spanish side in a fairly strong position.

Barcelona will be entitled to 20% of any profit Real Betis makes, so while they are open to a sale this summer, they won't be willing to let him go on the cheap.

Reports in Spain claim Newcastle are still keen on Abde Ezzalzouli

That negotiating power possibly what has given Aston Villa second thoughts after Estadio Deportivo reported that Unai Emery had cooled their interest.

Villa are working on a move for Alejandro Garnacho (for some reason) and as such their interest in Abde has cooled, leaving the door wide open for Newcastle.

Betis president Ángel Haro hasn't ruled out an exit for Abde Ezzalzouli this summer, telling reporters earlier this summer that he's not 'untouchable', as relayed by Sport Witness.

“He’s showing significant maturity. He started working from day one and could be ready by the second week. We’re very happy with Abde and we’d like to keep him but saying that a player is untouchable doesn’t make sense.”

Newcastle have already signed a left winger

We're not convinced that Newcastle are still looking at Abde Ezzalzouli, though. Ross Wilson has already delivered a left-winger in Bazoumana Toure.

If Newcastle are still in the market for a wide forward, they're likely to be right-sided to replace Jacob Murphy and back up Anthony Elanga.

We already have Harvey Barnes as competition for Toure, so it's the opposite flank that needs attention now if Jacob Murphy is to be sold.