Moussa Sissoko’s time at St James’ Park could be coming to an end, much to the relief of the player if speculation is to be believed, with rumours that Inter will be offering €35 million (£30.2m).
France Football, via FC Inter News, reports that the Italian club and the player are in agreement over personal terms, leaving it down to the make an official approach.
Newcastle have been holding out for around £35 million, and Rafa Benitez has maintained that clubs will “have to pay” to sign the current “big name in the market.”
Sissoko’s departure would create a considerable amount of money that the club could reinvest into further sculpting Benitez’s squad going forward. The player’s willingness to leave could create a negative atmosphere in the dressing room that the boss will doubtless want to remove as well.
The French international had a solid performance at the Euros, but he failed to make a serious impression in Newcastle’s dismal past season.
It’s been widely implied that Sissoko isn’t keen on playing outside of the top tier, and if he does say, could continue his poor performances.
One player that could join the club in Sissoko’s wake is USA international and Spurs full back DeAndre Yedlin, according to the Daily Mail.
Rafa Benitez is keen bolster his options on the right side of defence, with Daryl Janmaat being linked with a move to the Premier League and Serie A and Jesus Gamez currently injured.
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Sunderland and was an integral part of their battle for survival.
Yedlin’s defensive capabilities have been in doubt since he signed for Spurs, but he improved that part of his game considerably under Sam Allardyce last season.
The full back’s pace could be devastating going forward, especially in the Championship.
Roberto di Matteo’s Aston Villa have also registered an offer, while Derby County and Hull City are interested as well.
The prospect of Premier League football could lure Yedlin to Hull, but the prospect of working under a reputed manager like Rafa Benitez is a plus side for most players, especially young talents.
Even with the continued rumours about players leaving the North East, Rafa Benitez is confident that his Newcastle side will be even better at the end of the transfer window, according to Chronicle Live.
Recent headlines have been linking Daryl Janmaat and long-standing number one Tim Krul with a move away from Newcastle, while a spate of other names have been touted for departures.
Benitez went on to say that “It’s difficult to have players’ names in the newspapers each day. It’s not easy because they have to concentrate.
“I said before, the 31st of August can make a big difference in terms of how we approach the rest of the players.
He did comment on some transfer speculation, admitting some player’s futures are still up in the air. “I would say Gouffran, because maybe he will leave or maybe he will stay, so to keep him professional and training well was important.
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Will also writes for Football Ticket Net, his choice for Newcastle United tickets.