Chelsea are now reportedly hesitating over loaning out Hakim Ziyech this month.
According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle United, Everton and Roma are all interested in signing the 29-year-old Blues winger in January.
It is explained that Chelsea are reluctant to let Ziyech join Newcastle on loan, though. This is because Graham Potter’s side, who are 10 points behind Newcastle in the Premier League table, are increasingly viewing them as a main domestic rival.
The report says that Chelsea are currently weighing up whether to keep the £100,000 a week attacker until the end of the season.
Hakim Ziyech future
Ziyech has been frequently linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge so far this month, but Chelsea seem undecided on what to do with him.
The left-footed wide player has rediscovered a small amount of form recently, forcing his way into Potter’s preferred line-up in the last few games
It’ll certainly be interesting to see what happens if Newcastle step up interest in the African winger.
If Chelsea are to finish in the top four this season, they’re going to need almost everything to go in their favour during the next few months. It shouldn’t be completely dismissed at this stage, though.
If any of the current top four are to fall away, Newcastle look the most likely given their inexperience and lack of goals. This isn’t to take away from what a fantastic campaign they’re having as a collective.
It’s easy to picture a trickster like Ziyech being loved at St James’ Park, so Chelsea are right to hesitate over directly strengthening a Premier League rival.