Newcastle transfer news: Ayoze Perez eyeing Valencia move after Rafa Benitez departure

Exclusive: The Independent understands that Benitez’s decision to walk out on the club has hardened Perez’s resolve to follow him out of the exit door

Ayoze Perez is reluctant to sign a new contract with Newcastle United following the departure of Rafa Benitez, with Valencia interested in making a move for the Spanish forward.

Perez’s current deal expires in June 2021 and Newcastle had been hopeful of tying the 25-year-old down to a new contract following his superb end to the 2018/19 season.

However, The Independent understands that Benitez’s decision to walk out on the club has hardened Perez’s resolve to follow him out of the exit door, with Valencia his preferred destination.

Valencia finished fourth in La Liga last season, qualifying for the Champions League, and Perez is increasingly determined to return to his native Spain where he began his career.

Newcastle are likely to drive a hard bargain for one of their star assets, although the club will be wary of allowing Perez to enter the final year of his contract, when his valuation will drop markedly.

The club signed Perez for just three million euros from Tenerife in 2014. He has gone on to become one of the club’s best players, particularly excelling under Benitez’s management. Last season he scored 13 goals in 41 appearances, the club’s top goal scorer across all competitions.

At the end of the season Perez had remained coy over his future on Tyneside. “It’s been a great season, ups and downs, better moments, bad moments, but, overall, it’s been an unbelievable season,” he said.

“I’m off to Spain [on holiday now]. I’m looking for some sun. Now I’m focused on enjoying my holidays, to rest, because I need it. Then we will see.”

Newcastle face something of an exodus this summer, with a number of other players also considering their future after the exit of Benítez.

Defender Federico Fernandez deleted a tweet publicly criticising the club’s handling of Benitez’s departure, while Fabian Schar and Martin Dubravka are wanted by a number of rival clubs.

Midfielder Isaac Hayden meanwhile still wants to quit the club because of family reasons.