'Better than Zlatan', 'No way' - Newcastle fans react as Benitez confirms forward talks

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Published on:

09 Jun 2017, 2:00 pm

By Danny Wright

Newcastle fans are raging on Twitter after Rafa Benitez confirmed that he is in talks with Yoan Gouffran's agent over a new deal.

The wide forward's contract is set to expire at the end of this month but it seems that Benitez is eager to keep him as part of his squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The Magpies submitted their retain list on Friday and confirmed the departures of Haris Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi and first-team utility man Vurnon Anita.

Newcastle fans feel aggrieved that Anita isn't staying on at St. James' Park and feel as though he should be offered a new deal instead of Gouffran - although one supported joked that he is better than Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has not done enough to earn a new contract at Manchester United.

Here is a selection of their tweets:

Gouffran better be staying as 5th choice winger next season. Anything else is not progression. #NUFC
— colin oliver (@100Magpie) June 9, 2017

Does this mean Gouffran is better than Zlatan? #NUFC
— The Norman Cometh (@NormingAbout) June 9, 2017

ffs this is worrying. Very worrying
— colin oliver (@100Magpie) June 9, 2017

No way.. He's not good enough for premier league it's been proven
— Craig (@1Craigio) June 9, 2017

Gouffran, 31, moved to Newcastle in January 2013 from Bordeaux in a deal worth £500,000.

He made 45 appearances across all competitions this season as the Magpies secured the Championship title and their instant return to the Premier League.

The winger, who can also play as a centre-forward, scored seven goals and supplied five assists in league and cup competitions.

Benitez is set to make a host of changes to his Magpies squad over the course of this summer and has already secured the permanent signing of Christian Atsu, who is expected to rival Gouffran for a first-team place on the wing.

In other Newcastle news, a Magpies are bracing themselves to receive a bid for this enforcer.

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Newcastle United

Yoan Gouffran