The report says ...
The Argentina defender is thought to be keen on a return to Spain after disappointing since joining from Deportivo La Coruna for about £10million last summer.
However, Espanyol would be reluctant to pay much more than half his £60,000 a week pay deal at St James' Park, meaning the 27-year-old would have to accept a pay cut or ask Newcastle to subsidise the move.
We also hear Real Betis have asked about the defender.