Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez looks set to return to his native Argentina, with both Independiente and Velez Sarsfield believed to be interested in signing the cancer survivor. Argentine publication Ole claim the two clubs are hoping to secure the signature of the 31-year-old free agent, who was cruelly released by Newcastle via Ryan Taylor's mobile phone. With Taylor having already been told he would not be getting a new contract, the former Wigan Athletic man was then asked to pass his mobile to Gutierrez - who was also released. With Gutierrez now a free agent, neither Argentine club will need to pay a transfer fee to secure his signature - although the 22-cap international will have to take a wage cut to sign for either side. The midfielder arrived on Tyneside in 2008 after securing a £9 million move from Real Mallorca and he went on to make 205 appearances for the Magpies, scoring on 12 occasions - including netting the second goal, as well as assisting the first, in his final game for the club, the 2-0 victory over West Ham United in May that secured Newcastle's Premier League survival. Also loaned out to Norwich City during his time at Newcastle, Gutierrez had a testicle removed two years ago after being diagnosed with cancer - only for the disease to return. However, he thankfully recovered once more and his final appearance against West Ham will be etched in Toon supporters' memories forever. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
