Former Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique has urged Newcastle United to not sign out-of-favour Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele this summer.

The 36-year-old praised the quality which the French international possesses, however does not believe he is right for the project which Eddie Howe is assembling at the Magpies.

The Magpies had emerged as contenders to sign the former Lyon midfielder who has been deemed as surplus to requirements by Antonio Conte, with the north Londoners said to be looking to command a €50 million (£42.2 million) fee according to Media Foot.

Ndombele returned to Lyon during the January transfer window but failed to make an impact during his stint in France which saw the Ligue 1 outfit pass on the opportunity to sign him on a permanent basis.

Newcastle are said to be not alone in their interest with Daily Mail claiming that Spanish club Villarreal are looking to complete a double swoop of Spurs players with both Giovani Lo Celso and Ndombele on their radar.

Enrique has claimed that despite Ndombele being a special player, he does not work hard enough and has urged Newcastle United not to pursue a deal.

Taking to his Instagram story (11/08/22), Enrique said: “It looks like Newcastle are interested in Ndombele”

“It seems like Eddie (Howe) is very, very interested in having him.”

“Quality-wise, I believe he is unbelievable. It’s incredible the talent that he has. But for the project Newcastle are building, then I don’t think it will be a good signing. Talent-wise, he’s incredible.

“But you have Bruno Guimarães for that and he’s unbelievable and probably one of the best players in that position. He works hard as well.

“But this guy isn’t the same. He doesn’t work as hard. Talent-wise, as I said, he’s unbelievable. How he takes the ball and everything like that. Antonio Conte doesn’t want him, so I hope Newcastle doesn’t go for him.”

Our View

Ndombele is in desperate need of re-building his career after a disastrous time at Tottenham and hardly set Ligue 1 alight during his loan spell last season.   He needs to show more appetite to increase his workrate, rather than relying on his raw ability to make things happen.

Given his hefty salary and the fee that Spurs would want, it appears that a loan deal is the best that the club can hope for this summer.