£35,000-a-week international set to quit Newcastle – report
By Harry Sykes
Defender Achraf Lazaar wants to quit Newcastle United and could be the first to depart in Rafael Benitez’s summer shake-up, according to a report.
The Chronicle claim the left-back, 25, is keen to leave in search of regular first-team football and wants a transfer to Spain or Italy.
It is said that Lazaar, who has four years remaining on the £35,000-a-week salary he signed last summer, has no issues with United or manager Rafael Benitex but is set on finding a new club.
The 17-times Morocco international has made just nine appearances since arriving from Serie A club Palermo last summer in a £3million deal.
He has found himself third in the left-back pecking order, behind first choice Paul Dummett and his deputy Massadio Haidara, who was given a chance in Benitez’s starting eleven in last Sunday’s 3-0 win against Barnsley.
Benitez will be seeking to balance the wage bill in the coming months as he restructures the squad in preparation for their return to the Premier League.
Owner Mike Ashley has pledged that Benitez will be able to use money from any players sold this summer.
The Sports Direct tycoon said: “I have confirmed to Rafa and Lee that they can have every last penny that the club generates through promotion, player sales and other means.”
In other Newcastle United transfer news, the club have hijacked Everton’s move for a coveted 23-year-old, with a £75,000-a-week contract to be offered.
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