United toiling in efforts to offload Saivet

NEWCASTLE United are hoping to offload Henri Saivet on a permanent basis this summer – but the majority of interest in the midfielder so far has been regarding another loan deal.

The 27-year-old made just one Premier League appearance for the Magpies last season and Rafa Benitez is hoping to make room in United’s wage budget by offloading the Senegal international’s £35,000-a-week salary.

Saivet spent the second half of 2017/18 on loan at Turkish outfit Sivasspor, who would like to re-sign him this summer.

Turkish outlet Olay reports that fellow Super Lig side Bursaspor are also keen on the Senegal midfielder, although they too want to sign Saivet on loan.

United would prefer to offload Saivet permanently, and have offered the former Bordeaux midfielder to clubs in France.

However, his wages would make him the highest-paid player at the majority of Ligue 1 clubs, so he would likely need to take a pay cut to head back across The Channel.

Saivet joined Newcastle from Bordeaux for £4.5million in January 2016 but has made just six first-team appearances since.

He still has three years remaining on his Magpies deal and Benitez recognises that moving on the likes of Saivet, Matz Sels, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba will free up much-needed space in his wage budget – as well as providing funds which can be reinvested into the United squad.