Newcastle United leading the way for former Manchester City winger

Newcastle United have moved to the front of the queue in the race to sign Jesus Navas, reports the Sunday Mirror. 

The Spaniard is a free agent following his release from Manchester City earlier this year, though it had been thought he would return to Spain. 

However, talks between Navas and former side Sevilla have stalled, allowing Newcastle to move ahead of their La Liga counterparts, with the 31-year-old needing to make a decision by next Sunday on whether to move back to Seville. 

The ongoing stand off has alerted Newcastle, with head coach Rafa Benitez monitoring the situation having sent a proposal off to Navas’ agent. 

Navas made only 12 Premier League starts for City last season and scored only four goals in his four years at the club, those coming in his debut campaign in England. 

City opted against extending his stay at the club, with the Premier League outfit also allowing Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero and Pablo Zabaleta to depart on frees.