Newcastle target another French international

It’s not been the easiest of times for Newcastle United fans of late, but some news has reached us here in the Football Transfer Tavern that may raise a smile, with Gary Jacob of The Times informing us the Magpies have edged ahead in the race to sign highly rated midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

Alan Pardew has been a long term admirer of the French midfielder, and has been heavily linked with a move for the past two transfer windows. It appears the Magpies manager’s patience is about to finally pay off, with the club now seemingly edging closer to signing him on a pre-contract agreement.

The 23-year-old’s contract at French club Toulouse is due to expire in the summer, and plenty of clubs have been watching the situation carefully.

The likes of Marseille, and Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus are all reportedly keen, much to the annoyance of Sissoko’s current coach Alain Casanova.

“Moussa is here and trains well, there is no problem,” he said.

The signing of Sissoko would be a welcome relief for Newcastle fans, who have endured a difficult season as well as a difficult transfer window so far, following the sale of top scorer Demba Ba to Chelsea for just £7 million.

Pardew has managed to bring in Lille’s Mathieu Debuchy while being linked with another player from France, in the form of Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The centre back has also attracted interest from Arsenal, and is thought to be available for a fee within the region of £5 million.

Newcastle fans, would you like to see Sissoko make the move? Is this the area Pardew needs to be strengthening? Vote in our polls below.