Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies happy for Xisco to head home
NEWCASTLE UNITED are pinning their hopes on Racing Santander winning the fight to stay in La Liga in the hope that it will secure Xisco's move away from St James' Park.[LNB] Xisco has spent the season on loan at Racing and has already been told there is no future for him on Tyneside.[LNB] He struggled to make any impact after switching from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008.[LNB] The former Spanish Under- 21 international a controversial signing during Dennis Wise's days as executive director is keen to stay in his homeland beyond this season, but much will depend on whether or not Racing stay up.[LNB] The 23-year-old has scored four goals this season with the club one point above the relegation zone and the season ending this weekend.[LNB] Xisco was an unused sub last night as Racing lost to Sevilla and Newcastle were keen observers, knowing they could do without the striker returning to the North-East in pre-season.[LNB] Xisco has performed well in patches in La Liga, scoring late in the 2-1 defeat at Tenerife ten days ago, but he has been unable to hold down a first team place.[LNB] Nevertheless, Racing regard Xisco as a player with potential and they would be keen to do a deal with Newcastle, but it would mean the player having to take a significant pay cut.[LNB] The Magpies have accepted they will never recover the £5.7m they paid for him two summers ago. In fact, more than likely, they would be willing to let him leave for nothing if it meant his wages were no longer the club's concern.[LNB] There has also been interest shown in him from Tenerife and Xerez, plus clubs lower down the Spanish league, but Newcastle know their best chance of offloading him on a full-time basis is to Racing.[LNB] Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has already confirmed that Frenchman Fabrice Pancrate will not been offered a contract following promotion.[LNB] Pancrate, who signed a short-term contract after impressing during a trial in November, had been hoping to be given a longer term deal.[LNB] However, the 30-year-old is now plotting his next move after being told he does not have a future in the North- East, where he enjoyed his time after leaving Paris St Germain.[LNB] Pancrate said: I am really disappointed not be a Newcastle player next year. This was the best club that I played for and not to be part of it next year is tough to take.[LNB] The fans were the best I've played in front of and it was a great feeling to play in front of them and in front of so many at the away games. I didn't want to leave the club because I loved it.[LNB] Hughton has also released younger players Wesley Ngo- Baheng, Callum Morris, Fank Danquah, Jonny Godsmark and Darren Lough.[LNB]
