Grant Hanley faces a significant pay-cut should he decide to leave Newcastle United in the summer and play Championship football next season, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claims that the 25-year-old midfielder currently earns £45,000-a-week at St James’ Park after signing a five-year deal from now League One side Blackburn Rovers at the start of the 2016-17 campaign.
The story follows up from the report in the Chronicle that Championship sides Aston Villa, Wolves, Derby County and Cardiff City are all interested in securing Hanley’s signature this summer.
It is highly unlikely that these teams will be willing to match Hanley’s current salary therefore he might need to consider a lower wage if he intends to play regular first-team football next season.
The Scotland international was not used on a regular basis for Newcastle this season as he only made 16 appearances in all competitions.
His only goal of the campaign came at the beginning of the league season where the Magpies thrashed QPR 6-0 away from home in September.
Hanley would not be phased by playing in England’s top flight as he spent two seasons in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.
The defender has made a total of 31 Premier League appearances in his career but he was involved in the Blackburn Rovers side that was relegated from the division in the 2011-12 campaign.
Hanley’s only Premier League goal was the winner in Blackburn’s 3-2 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford in January 2012.