Newcastle: Enquiry for Anderlecht striker; French duo depart; Sissoko still waiting
Rafa Benitez’s hunt for a striker goes on. With links to players like Lorenzo Insigne developing, it’s an exciting time to be a Newcastle United supporter. Yet, many see signing Insigne as an unrealistic proposition given his age and recent experience at the pinnacle of the game.
Anderlecht centre forward Idrissa Sylla is a considerably more realistic target for the Magpies, and The Telegraph believe that enquiries have been made about a move for the striker. Sylla joined Anderlecht at the beginning of last season, going on to score six times in 14 appearances for the Belgian side.
The Guinea international has also incited interest from big spending Wolves, but the star quality of Benitez and the prospect of imminent Premier League football could be enough to draw the striker to the North East.
The manager is allegedly hunting for another striker, despite Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ayoze Perez and big money signing Dwight Gayle.
The paper also reports that Newcastle face competition from rivals Sunderland and guaranteed Premier League football could be the main lure for the striker.
Meanwhile, neither Florian Thauvin or Remy Cabella made a dramatic impact at St James’ park. The duo promised an element of flair and creativity when they arrived at Newcastle, but failed to deliver despite their obvious potential.
Their equally troubled time at Newcastle is coming to an end after failing to adapt to the English game, with Olympique Marseille sealing moves for both of the Frenchmen.
Thauvin departs on loan for the duration of the season, while Cabella’s move has been officially made permanent, despite the clause on his loan deal essentially sealing the move months ago.
Former Toulouse manager Alain Casanova described Thauvin “someone who is able to disrupt any opponent, someone very dangerous when he picks up speed” while Cabella’s dynamism and passing ability was set to take Newcastle to the next level.
While both players could’ve shone in the Championship, the fees and relief on the wage structure at St James’ Park could pave the way for new signings.
The Moussa Sissoko saga has been a source of amusement for Newcastle fans and others alike. While initially being “utterly superb” in the eyes of Evening Chronicle reporter Neil Cameron, his performances seemed to implode as the club struggled through last season.
Despite his lacklustre season, albeit with a reasonably strong Euro 2016 performance, the 26-year-old Frenchman is still holding out for a move too Spanish titans Real Madrid, according to the BBC.
The dynamic midfielder has consistently been linked with a big money move away from St James’ park, with the Bernabeu his preferred location.
“I hope Real will come for me, I’m still waiting,” Sissoko told World Football. “I spent three and a half years here. I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games. For that I need to go somewhere else.”
Newcastle are holding out for at least £30 million for Sissoko, meaning he may have to endure another season in the north east with dreams of Spanish conquest.
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Will also writes for Football Ticket Net, his choice for Newcastle tickets
