It has been quite a year for Argentine midfielder, Jonás Gutiérrez but after his fairytale comeback from cancer to score the decisive goal for Newcastle United in their successful relegation battle, the 31-year-old is now looking for a new club. The Premier League club confirmed this week that they would not be offering El Galgo a new deal and reports now suggest that River Plate are interested in adding the former international to their ranks.

The mid-season break approaches in Argentina and so in addition to the European transfer window Gutiérrez could have several offers in the pipeline. His former club Vélez would likely be interested as they were in January but it is Marcelo Gallardo’s River that are being linked presently. After the break, River will also have the Copa Libertadores semi final to contend with and so this could present Gutiérrez the opportunity to add South America’s biggest prize to his 2005 Clausura medal that he won with Vélez and the 2003 under-20 South American championship with Argentina.

Gutiérrez appeared to have no future at Newcastle after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and being told by the club that he could leave. However, after returning to Buenos Aires for treatment and being given the all-clear the hugely popular figure returned and earned his way back into John Carver’s side just weeks before the end of the season.

Having always been a tireless worker who committed fully, Gutiérrez was one of the few Newcastle players to emerge from a terrible season with any credit and scoring the second goal in the final day win over West Ham capped off a remarkable 18-months. Remarkably after this and seven years of service at St James’ Park, Gutiérrez was informed on Ryan Taylor’s telephone that he would not be staying at the club.

Gutiérrez showed enough in the last few weeks that he could still play in Europe or even make some more money in perhaps the US or the middle east but the lure of a return to Buenos Aires may interest the 31-year-old. Vélez would be his preferred destination surely after previously saying “There are many factors for me to return. But having played in all the youth sides and leaving, I can’t see myself playing for a team other than Vélez.”

However, there maybe other factors and if Vélez decide they do not have the funds to bring back Gutiérrez then River might have a chance.