Steve McClaren: '˜Frustrated' Florian Thauvin struggling to settle at Newcastle
Steve McClaren's adamant that Florian Thauvin can still be a success at Newcastle United '“ but the winger's future remains in the balance.
Thauvin was in the squad for this afternoon’s home game against West Ham United after missing Tuesday’s 3-3 draw against Manchester United with a knock.
The 22-year-old, signed from Olympique Marseille in a £12million deal last summer, had been booed by some United fans during last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.
Thauvin was this week linked with a move back to the Stade Velodrome in this month’s transfer window.
Asked about speculation over his future, McClaren said: “A lot of noise coming from Marseille, I think.”
McClaren, however, has conceded that the France Under-21 international is struggling to “settle” at the club.
“He’s our player,” said McClaren. “He hasn’t settled and adapted as quickly as we wanted, or he wanted, or played as many times as he has.
“So that’s frustrating for him. He’s part of our squad, he’s fit, he’s in the squad for West Ham, and could be on the bench.
“He’s our player and we believe in his potential.”
While McClaren still feels Thauvin could make a success of his move to St James’s Park, he could yet return to Marseille before the transfer window closes.
Reports in France have claimed that Thauvin – who has found himself on the fringes of McClaren’s starting XI – himself had instigated discussions over a half-season loan move to the Stade Velodrome.