Newcastle United have passed on the opportunity to sign Andre Ayew on a free transfer this summer - because they don't believe it represents value for money. The 25-year-old Ghanaian international allowed his contract to run down at Marseille, meaning he is available on a Bosman free transfer this summer, but the Magpies will not firm up their initial interest. According to The Chronicle, Newcastle looked into acquiring the forward but will instead allow Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United to fight it out for his signature. Despite Ayew being available on a free, his wage demands and signing on fee are believed to be well beyond any figure Newcastle would countenance paying. Instead the Magpies will turn their attention towards other targets, with the club still monitoring Queens Park Rangers and England forward Charlie Austin, as well as Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle. Steve McClaren will be named as Newcastle boss this week but the former England, Middlesbrough and Derby County manager will not be able to call upon Ayew as one of his charges. Ayew, who has progressed through the youth ranks at Marseille, enjoyed loan spells at Lorient and Arles-Avignon before making his real breakthrough into his parent clubs first-team side in 2010. He has made 250 career appearances to date, scoring 65 goals, including 58 in 188 for Marseille. The winger has also netted 11 times in 62 internationals for Ghana. 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.
