Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Pires has confirmed that Newcastle United have attempted to sign him during the past January window.
Speaking to EFE (via El Economista) this week, the Leganés player gave a long interview, and commented on the offer from Rafael Benitez.
Asked why he didn’t move to Newcastle, Gabriel said: “It was a club subject. I was training and it happened. The club decided it and that was it.”
But the player doesn’t rule out the possibility of leaving at the end of the season: “That depends on many things. I don’t want to think about that now. I’ve never thought of leaving a club before the league was over.
“I think of doing the best now and when I have to think about whether or not to change clubs, it will be time to think. Now I don’t think about that.”
The rumours linking the player to Newcastle United showed up in late January, with the English press reporting an approach from the club.
The offer was a loan until the end of the season and an option to buy with a fixed price, although the amount was not reported at the time.
If Newcastle United achieve promotion to the Premier League next season, that’s definitely a move which we could see happening as long as Benitez is still keen.
