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Achraf Lazaar Interview – Asked whether Serie A defender is going to agree to Newcastle transfer

7 years ago
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Achraf Lazaar has been speaking to the media back in Italy.

The Newcastle defender talking about various subjects, such as: limited opportunities with Newcastle so far, the situation at his old club Palermo, as well as interest from other clubs and whether he would have moved this month if it had been a possibility.

However, maybe the most interesting question that Achraf Lazaar was asked, is one that was dropped in at the end, almost as an after thought.

The Moroccan international asked if Thomas Heurtaux would be a good signing if he agrees to come to Newcastle. The matter of fact way the question is asked and answered, suggests that this is an ongoing situation that could possibly happen, even though nothing has been reported in the English media (not that I’ve seen anyway).

Lazaar’s answer to the question is that he has played against Heurtaux and knows he is a good player but that it will be up to the Frenchman whether he signs for Newcastle.

The player in question is a 28 year old centre-back who plays for Udinese but after previously being first choice for a few seasons, has had to settle for being more on the bench the last year and a half, only making 14 Serie A starts including four this season.

Interesting to see if anything comes of that, especially in light of the debate at the weekend as to whether Mike Ashley had laid down the law or not about transfer policy and age of signings.

As for the other questions Achraf Lazaar was asked…he is upset by his old club Palermo’s struggles, he isn’t worried about not getting too many games at the minute as he understands the team is doing well but hopes to get more regular football by the time next season comes around, he wouldn’t want to leave Newcastle this month even if he could (already played for 2 clubs this season), plus he is still happy to be chasing his dream in England rather than instead potentially signing for Fiorentina last season.

Achraf Lazaar speaking to Tutto mercato Web:

‘I’m fine with the group, with the environment. We are winning so much and you know: Never change a winning team, so I’m finding little space as a professional and I try to show my qualities, I know my worth.

“Of course it (next season) will be very important (for me), this year we are making very good results and I’m happy for my team.”

‘Is it a problem that you cannot change team (in January) because already played for two clubs?’

“For me, no. I’m good at Newcastle. I have heard of (interest from) some teams and I’m glad – but I’m happy here and I want to be a leading player (for Newcastle)”

‘Regret not going to Fiorentina?’

“I wanted to chase a dream (at Newcastle/in England) and Italy I already know it well.”

‘Follow the Italian league?’

“Of course. Of course. I’m sorry for Palermo (his old club 18th of 20 and only 1 point off bottom but 8 points adrift of 17th), a strange situation. Too much chaos, so many changes. I was talking with my former colleagues, I understand how they feel because it’s a difficult time.

“Changing coaches, plans, situations, not good…there are too many disasters for Palermo. Palermo does not deserve this situation, I hope it blossoms. “

‘Meanwhile for Newcastle – Heurtaux to think about: if it happened it wouldn’t be bad eh?’

“A good player, I played against him, but the decision must be his.”

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