The popular striker, who starred for the Magpies during the 2018/19 season, has joined Russian side CSKA Moscow on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Oh… how Newcastle could have done with the Venezuelan right now following Callum Wilson’s lengthy injury.
But if he isn’t a United player then he’s better off abroad, right? After all, It’d be hard for Newcastle fans to see him in the colours of another Premier League team.
And according to the Daily Mail, that might have happened after the 31-year-old was the subject of “tentative enquiries” from West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Ultimately, the interest soon fizzled out. West Brom opted for Mbaye Diagne from Galatasaray, while Harry Kane’s ankle injury at Spurs wasn’t as bad as first feared.
Who knows what the summer might bring however, with the report claiming his move to Russia will alert Premier League teams in that he could be open to another move in the summer.
Meanwhile, the agent of Rodrigo Vilca has been speaking about the Peruvian’s future at Newcastle.
Vilca’s arrival last summer was very intriguing with his nationality bringing instant flashbacks of Nolberto Solano’s time in a black and white shirt.
Viewed as a future star, the 21-year-old teamed up with Chris Hogg’s under-23s and has provided one goal and one assist in seven Premier League 2 matches.
His agent Elio Casareto believes Vilca “needs minutes in Europe” with the ultimate aim being to “replace Miguel Almiron in the number 10 position”.
Speaking to Futbol Peruano, as covered by Sport Witness, he said: “The Premier League is very competitive and he needs minutes in Europe because the national team is also following him.”
He added: “The idea, hopefully, is to replace Miguel Almirón in the number 10 position, but he still needs the experience of a first team in Europe to complement what he is doing.”
Here’s a round-up of the latest gossip doing the rounds across the Premier League:
1. Saints determined to sign Fulgini
Southampton are determined to reignite their interest in Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini this summer after failing to sign the Frenchman in January. (Le10Sport) Photo: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER
2. Cooper considered by Palace
Swansea City boss Steve Cooper is one of the names being considered by Crystal Palace to replace Roy Hodgson. Sean Dyche has also been linked but he is likely to get a new contract at Burnley. (The Sun) Photo: Michael Steele
3. Hoppe in-demand
Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring Schalke striker Matthew Hoppe. The 19-year-old has netted five goals in 11 appearances following his break into the first-team. (90min) Photo: INA FASSBENDER
4. Duo 'studying' Konsa
Tottenham and Liverpool are studying Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. The 23-year-old’s form has put him under consideration for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. (The Athletic) Photo: JULIAN FINNEY