Newcastle make audacious loan move for Atletico Madrid outcast

Newcastle have approached Atletico Madrid about loaning Gelson Martins for the remainder of the season, claims The Daily Mail.

Atletico are keen to offload Martins this month in order to accommodate Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.

Diego Simeone’s side only signed Martins from Portuguese side Sporting last summer, but he has failed to make any impression at the club.

Atletico are already operating close to their salary cap and must make some adjustments to afford Morata’s wages.

The Spanish side are set to loan Morata from Chelsea with an option to sign the 26-year-old outright.

Newcastle have struggled for goals all season and Rafa Benitez is desperate to bolster his squad this month.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for MLS star Miguel Almiron and now have their eyes on Martins.

The 23-year-old has only started one league game for Atletico this season and made just seven appearances as a substitute.

In his last two years at Sporting, the Portugal international scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists in 63 league games.