Joelinton could see Newcastle United exit route open up as Turkish Süper Lig outfit weigh up offer

Süper Lig outfit Fenerbahce could offer Joelinton a Newcastle United exit route after the Brazilian’s dismal first season in the Premier League.
Joe Gomez of Liverpool battles for possession with Joelinton of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on July 26, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Joe Gomez of Liverpool battles for possession with Joelinton of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on July 26, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Joe Gomez of Liverpool battles for possession with Joelinton of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on July 26, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

The frontman, set to be stripped of the Magpies’ No9 this summer, scored just TWO goals in the Premier League last season, four in total, despite becoming the club’s record signing last July.

United splashed out remarkable £40 million for the then Hoffenheim striker – that’s double the fee the club have ever spent on any other player.

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In his 14 months on Tyneside the forward has done little to convince he is worth anything close to that fee, with manager Steve Bruce shifting the recently turned 24-year-old – who missed a chunk of the summer while in quarantine – out to the left in a bid to try and squeeze some value out of the player.

And the Gazette has learned Fenerbahce have placed Joelinton on their wanted list.

It remains to be seen whether United will allow the player to leave, of course, with Bruce keen to strengthen his attacking ranks, not trim them.

A loan deal for the player is being explored with German-born Fener boss Erol Bulut believed to be a big fan of United’s South American flop.

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Meanwhile, winger Matt Ritchie could be another player who is shown the St James’s Park exit door.

He is understood to be considering his future and was talked about as being used to smooth through the Callum Wilson transfer.

Bournemouth are understood to remain keen on a Ritchie return, but wages could prove the stumbling block in any move.

Ritchie was signed by Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2016 from the Vitality Stadium for around £10 million.

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The player only signed a new deal to 2023 in March – and at the time he told NUFC TV: “It's obviously something that I wanted. Hopefully I can be part of the future.

"When you sign at a club, you want to make an impact. I moved around in my younger years on loan but to come somewhere and get settled and be part of the progress of the football club is great."

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