Keith Downie has reported that Ki Sung-yeung is likely to depart Newcastle United today.
The South Korean international is not expected to be put in the Toon’s Premier League squad to make room for Danny Rose, and there is thought to be interest in acquiring his services from various, as yet, unnamed sides.
Is Newcastle's squad stronger now?
Yes, made some good additions
No, they needed a forward
The Toon are expecting a quiet day for incomings with Steve Bruce confirming that he expects to make no more signings and only expects players to leave the club. (9:48)
Newcastle have added Nabil Bentaleb, Valentino Lazaro, and Danny Rose to their squad, and Bruce seems happy with the business that Newcastle have done. (9:48)
If Ki does leave then, the Toon will be making space on the wage bill and in their squad.
The former Swansea man has only made four appearances this season and has fallen down the pecking order, so a move away from Tyneside should suit both parties.
What do we think?
Ki was brought to the club by Rafael Benitez in 2018 and has made 23 appearances for the Magpies.
The 31-year-old in that time has not scored and provided one assist but has impressed some fans with his composure on the ball.
However, under Bruce Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and the two Longstaff brothers have emerged ahead of Ki.
If Newcastle can move him on then, they will be getting rid of a player who was not fancied by Bruce, and they can focus on the rest of the season with a more refined squad.