Ziyech frustrated as Chelsea see Newcastle as direct rival

Newcastle United have been warned off Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech.

The London Evening Standard says Chelsea are reluctant to allow Ziyech to join Newcastle on loan.

The Morocco international is open to leaving Stamford Bridge this month and Newcastle have looked at the possibility of signing him to boost their Champions League bid.

But Chelsea are increasingly seeing Newcastle as a rival following their resurgence since they were taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have personal friendships with members of the Newcastle board and their position on Ziyech has been relayed.