While all the talk has been about who new head coach Steve McClaren will bring into Newcastle United this summer, there are a couple of players who could be prised away from the club after impressive seasons last term. The Sun are reporting that Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring Ayoze Perez's situation following an expectation-defying first season at St James' Park. The Spaniard, who signed from Spanish second division side Tenerife for around 2 million last summer, scored seven goals in 36 appearances in a Magpies side that only avoided relegation on the last day of the Premier League season. His form was one of the few bright sparks from United's campaign, which makes the revelations that the club planned to send the 21-year-old out on loan all the more baffling. They would have been relegated without him. No question. The Sun are reporting that Newcastle wouldn't want to sell one of their prized assets, but if one of the Premier League's big boys came along with an offer of £15 million or over Mike Ashley could be tempted into doing some business. Surely the player would be better off staying at St James' Park where first team opportunities are more likely at this stage in his career. However, as Newcastle have found out to their detriment in recent years, money talks in football. And so does a modicum of ambition. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
