Newcastle United would only sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on loan if they did decide they wanted him in the remainder of the window, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has told GiveMeSport.
However, the Sky Sports reporter has his doubts about the Moroccan moving to St James' Park and definitely cannot see the Magpies spending money on him.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
Newcastle transfer news - Hakim Ziyech
Transfer insider Dean Jones told GMS earlier this week that some people at Newcastle and Chelsea believe Ziyech linking up with Eddie Howe this month is possible.
If the Tyneside club make a play for the attacker, though, they could face competition for his signature.
According to Sky Sports, Everton have identified Ziyech as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon.
In terms of interest outside of England, one report from The Sun claims that AS Roma also want the former Ajax man and Chelsea would rather sell to them than a Premier League rival.
What has Keith Downie said about Hakim Ziyech and Newcastle?
Downie thinks Newcastle would only be up for trying to sign Ziyech on loan at the last minute but also feels it is unlikely.
Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports reporter said: "I think Ziyech would be the kind of deal they would potentially try and do last minute on loan [if the club decided to]. I can't see them spending money on a 30-year-old player. I would be surprised. I would be surprised."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Should Newcastle sign Hakim Ziyech on loan?
If they can, then why not? He is the calibre of player who could give them a big boost in the race for Champions League football.
On his day, Ziyech can cause the opposition problems. As per FBref, the Morocco international has ranked in the 88th percentile for total shots and the 87th for progressive passes among attacking midfielders and wingers over the last year.
To put things simply, he is someone who constantly looks to test the goalkeeper and play dangerous balls into his team-mates.
Ziyech, who is earning £100,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, according to Spotrac, has also ranked in the 84th percentile for tackles and the 83rd for clearances among his positional peers, so he can do the hard work as well.
Ultimately, if Newcastle can get Ziyech on loan, then it seems like a bit of a no-brainer. The Chelsea man would only make Howe's side stronger and increase their chances of finishing in the top four.
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