Enzo Maresca hints at Nico Gonzalez move after Newcastle United talks
In a summer full of midfield sagas, the latest centres around Newcastle United's attempt to land Man City's Nico Gonzalez.
After initial discussions were confirmed by David Ornstein earlier this week, the iPaper's Mark Douglas revealed yesterday that positive talks had taken place.
It's not been clear if the Spaniard would stay and fight for his place following Rodri and Bernardo Silva's moves to La Liga, but comments today from Enzo Maresca suggest he is open to a fresh start and regular minutes elsewhere.
Gonzalez hope arrives from Maresca
Speaking to the media today ahead of Man City's clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, Enzo Maresca was asked about a group of players who could follow Rodri out of the exit door at the Etihad.
He was specifically asked about Saudi-bound Tijjani Reijnders, Spurs-bound Savinho and Newcastle-linked Nico Gonzalez, who started just two league games since January.
"Aside from Rodri, they all have in common one thing: They didn't play a lot.
"So at the end, we said many times, we just finished a session and they all work every day because at the end they want to play. And when they don't play, probably they prefer to leave.
"The ones that you mentioned, aside from Rodri, the rest are all players that for different reasons didn't play a lot..."
Only time will tell if Newcastle can agree a fee with Man City, convince the player to sign and hold off inevitable competition, but this is promising.
Why Gonzalez could be a gamechanger
Just as many expected Newcastle to settle for a solid but slightly stale option like Hojbjerg or Palhinha, both 31, a move for Gonzalez would be a timely reminder of our ambition.
With Bruno Guimaraes gone and Sandro Tonali's exit leaving a gaping hole in front of our defence, a top-tier No.6 with tactical nous and technical ability is just what we need.
Aladji Bamba has huge potential and could be the future of our midfield alongside Sean Steur (18) and Lewis Miley (20). However, the former Monaco talent is 20 and has limited senior experience, creating the need for a Nico to inject some class to Jaissle's midfield and complement this young group.
