French defender Florian Lejeune has been told to report for pre-season training at Benton on July 5 as Alaves officials insist the Magpies will dictate his next move.
The former Eibar star enjoyed a successful loan stint in Spain and did exactly what Steve Bruce asked him to by getting his head down and playing a full season.
Lejeune made 36 appearances in La Liga and helped Alaves to a respectable 16th place finish.
With his loan deal over, Alaves are keen to have him back next season but would need to come up with a cash bid for a player going into the final year of his contract.
Officials at Alaves though now say the ball is in Newcastle's court on a price tag.
Lejeune, however, has appeared to say goodbye to the Spanish club.
He said: "It’s been a long, hard season with the goal of keeping the team up, and we made it.
"It’s been a pleasure to be part of this great club.
"Thank you to all my team-mates, the staff and the fans for way you have treated me."
Newcastle could listen to offers for Lejeune but with the club in the market for a new centre-back Bruce could wheel and deal, leaving the French centre-back looking for a new club.
Fans would love to see Lejeune get another crack at life with the Magpies with one supporter simply tweeting the 30-year-old: "Come home Florian!"
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