Newcastle United hold an interest in the Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech this month, with the Moroccan potentially on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

What's the latest?

There have been reports to emerge recently suggesting the Blues need to cut two non-homegrown players from their Champions League side ahead of the last-16 clash next month.

And it is believed the Moroccan is one of the players who Graham Potter would be open to allowing to leave this month following their busy start to the window.

Newcastle are said to be one of the clubs that are showing an interest in the 29-year-old already and could potentially offer him a short-term loan.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Talking Transfers podcast, Graeme Bailey has spoken of the Toon's interest in possibly making a move for the Moroccan this month:

"He's been offered around Milan and Ajax who are both in for him have both backed away. Newcastle are in the market for some experienced players to help us push for a top-four place now which is what it is.

"So there is a line of communication there between St. James' Park and Stamford Bridge. But it is a bit of an issue with Newcastle pushing for [fourth] place. So yeah, there is a bit of an interest there. I think Newcastle would do this, Ziyech on loan, and he'd be an interesting signing for them."

Taking from a rival

One thing that is apparent is Ziyech is not in the plans at Chelsea when they have a full-strength side available at the disposal of Potter.

Ziyech has made nine league appearances this season for the Blues, however, that does not quite tell the full story with four of them coming in the last four games (via Transfermarkt).

And currently, Chelsea are struggling from a mass of injury issues to some of their forward players. Even still, Ziyech has only started two of the last four games.

So it would seem as if a move in January could prove beneficial for all parties with Ziyech still not necessarily first choice despite the injury crisis going on at the Bridge.

But would he arrive on Tyneside and slot straight into Eddie Howe's starting XI?

Ziyech is a player who has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past with a stunning run in the 125 goals in his career.

However, he has not quite been able to reach his full potential at Chelsea which could be a concern for those at Newcastle.

But neither did the likes of Miguel Almiron at Newcastle until Howe turned up and has since turned him into one of the league's top scorers.

So there should be some faith put into Howe being able to transform Ziyech back into the player he was during his time with Ajax, however, it does raise the question as to why Chelsea would deal with Newcastle now?