By admin 
Newcastle United are back in the hunt to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, and have a plan to tempt him to St James’ Park.
The left-back was linked with a move to Tyneside earlier this summer, with Dan Ashworth seemingly eyeing a reunion with the man who he brought to Brighton back in 2021.
However, it was later reported that Cucurella wanted to stay at Chelsea and that Newcastle had actually told the Blues that they were not interested in signing the Spaniard.
But that may now have changed. The 25-year-old appears to be available for a move, and did not feature in the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. He was an unused substitute during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Less than 24 hours after that game, rumours returned that Cucurella was a target for Newcastle. Eddie Howe is looking to sign a left-back, with the club considering a loan with an option or obligation to buy.
Cucurella is one of the options that Newcastle are looking at, and is apparently keen on moving to the North East. However, there is one major reason why it is difficult to envision Cucurella signing for the Magpies this summer.
Marc Cucurella’s wages are too high for Newcastle
If Newcastle are going to loan Cucurella from Chelsea, you have to imagine that the Blues will want the majority if not all of his wages covered.
That is where the issue lies for the Magpies, as Cucurella earns more than anyone else at St James’ Park right now. His deal at Chelsea is worth a whopping £175,000-a-week.
There is simply no way that Newcastle are going to pay that kind of money, especially not for Cucurella. He could be a good signing if he plays like he did at Brighton, but his stock has massively dropped after a really disappointing debut year at Chelsea.
With Newcastle not wanting to overspend in the transfer market, it would be hugely unwise to take the defender on loan and cover his Chelsea wages. And when it comes to a permanent deal, he would want similar if not better terms. Otherwise, he has no reason to walk away from his Chelsea contract that has five years left to run.
For a lot of fans, the jury is out when it comes to interest in Cucurella. But aside from his footballing ability, his potential wages should make this one a complete non-starter.