Federico Fernandez has endured a torrid time since leaving St. James' Park in the summer to join La Liga side Elche. The basement side in Spain's top division have picked up just four points and are without a win so far this season.
The Argentinian defender has played just once for his new side this season, with injury problems continuing to blight his campaign. Those injury woes were part of the reason Fernandez failed to start a match under Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe when he took charge of the club midway through last season.
Reports earlier this year suggested Elche were planning to negotiate an early exit from the 33-year-old's contract, with fellow Argentine Javier Pastore also set to leave the club. Although there has been no official announcement from the club in reference to the duo's contracts, Elche head coach Pablo Machin addressed the situation at a press conference.
