Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Mehdi Abeid would be interested in a return to Newcastle United next season - even if they are relegated to the Championship.

The Chronicle understands that the midfielder is still fond of the club and still has ambitions to prove himself in front of the United faithful at first team level.

It is believed that Abeid never wanted to leave Newcastle but was told he wasn’t part of the club’s long-term plans.

However, after leaving United last summer he has proved to be a hit with Panathinaikos and has attracted the attention of watching scouts across Europe.

Indeed, Abeid has already been linked with a move to Portuguese giants FC Porto but there is also interest from Marseille and Valencia in the midfielder.

Despite interest from around Europe, Abeid loved life at Newcastle and is thought to be keen on returning to Tyneside.

Newcastle received an undisclosed fee for Abeid when he left the club and is now valued at £3million.

A source close to Abeid told the Chronicle: “If Newcastle want Mehdi next season he’d be happy to come back and help the team - even if they drop into the Championship.”

Abeid made 21 appearances for Newcastle after arriving Lens in 2011.