Chris Hughton has revealed that Spanish flop Xisco could still have a future at Newcastle.
Hughton impressed by Spanish striker on Magpies return
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has revealed that Spanish flop Xisco could still have a future at St James' Park.
The 24-year-old joined the Magpies in a £5.7million deal from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008 but made just seven appearances during Newcastle's relegation season due to injury and the managerial upheaval on Tyneside.
Although the former Spain Under-21 international made two substitute appearances at the start of last term, he was soon farmed out to Racing Santander on loan for the season.
Xisco scored three goals in 23 La Liga games and, with Racing having yet to declare an interest in re-signing the striker, he has returned to Newcastle for pre-season training.
The striker has three years left on his contract and Hughton has been impressed with his application since rejoining the squad last week.
"Xisco is in very good spirits, but that's what his personality has been like during his time with the club," Hughton told
the Chronicle. "I think he looks at everything as an opportunity.
Assessment
"Last season we allowed him to go on loan to Racing Santander and what we need to do now is assess him and then make decisions.
"He's still young, and in the pre-season we'll see how he is and take it from there."
Should he fail to earn a regular role, Xisco may favour a permanent move back to Spain, but first he will be given a chance to impress, beginning with an appearance in Saturday's friendly against Carlisle.
"Apart from Danny Simpson and Jonas Gutierrez, who is still not involved because he played in the World Cup, everybody will get an opportunity," Hughton confirmed.
Meanwhile, Hughton remained tight-lipped on the possibility of signing Everton's Dan Gosling.
Reports last week claimed Newcastle had beaten off competition from Sunderland to sign the 20-year-old midfielder, who is currently recovering from cruciate damage in his knee and may be out until 2011.
