Towards the end of the January window, Newcastle United showed interest in Yannick Carrasco and he was ‘open’ to leaving Atlético Madrid.
It was also explained the 28-year-old would look to leave Los Rojiblancos after this season, if he failed to get a winter move away from the Metropolitano.
A deal never took shape then and his performances for the La Liga side in recent months have now been questioned by Marca.
The Belgium international had a good start to the season, but ‘something went wrong’ against FC Porto last December. He was sent off and was suspended for three Champions League matches.
Diego Simeone was forced to field Renan Lodi and he impressed for Atlético in Carrasco’s absence against Manchester United.
Marca questions the winger’s attitude in recent weeks and warns he needs to act quickly to avoid losing prominence at the club.
The report suggests Carrasco’s ‘lack of concentration’ is perhaps down to interest shown by the Magpies in January. He received attention from England, ‘especially Newcastle filling his ears’. 
‘And all this comes when the Belgian is approaching 30, that limit to get the last big contract of his career. Something that motivates many footballers to raise the level in the previous months or that throws others off centre while leaks are heard that the €60m of their clause is more than affordable for the Premier League giants. All this, in a course full of ups and downs for a Carrasco who, in his best form, is one of the best players in the current league.’
Carrasco also changed agents and is now managed by Pini Zahavi. This would indicate ‘more important changes in the near future’ are expected. Whether that change will lead to Newcastle United or another club remains to be seen.
