Newcastle defender set for January exit

Lazaar was frozen out at Newcastle United last year and loaned to Benevento.

Manager Rafa Benitez told the defender, signed from Palermo in 2016, to find a new club in the summer, but a proposed move to Genoa broke down at the 11th hour.

Lazaar, training at United's Academy, has made a handful of appearances for the club's Under-23s so far this season.

And, tellingly, the 26-year-old was overlooked for last night's game against Burnley at Turf Moor when Benitez lost left-back Paul Dummett to injury during the international break.

Instead, the Morocco international played 81 minutes for Newcastle's Under-23s, who beat Stoke City 3-2 at Whitley Park.

Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Genoa are considering another move for Lazaar, who is under contract at St James's Park until 2021.