Given a rare start by Rafa Benitez during the Christmas period, Henri Saivet grabbed his chance with both hands and helped Newcastle overcome David Moyes’ West Ham at London Stadium with a 10th minute free-kick to cancel out Marko Arnautovic’s goal.
Before and after that game, however, the Senegal international hasn’t been anywhere near the team in the Premier League, and a move away has always been on the cards for the 27-year-old.
According to L’Equipe on Wednesday, Montpellier are ready to give the midfielder an escape route in the shape of a loan with a view to buy at the end of the season, with advanced talks between the two clubs already underway.
The French newspaper explain the Ligue 1 side would be prepared to spend around €5m on Saivet if he impresses them, allowing Newcastle to get most of their £5.4m back in the process.
Even better for all involved, L’Equipe state the verdict on this case could be given in the coming hours, suggesting everything is well underway.
It would be very surprising if Newcastle said no, to be honest.
