Newcastle United in sensational Sissoko and Cabaye swap deal?
Newcastle United, 14/1 with Coral for a top six finish, could welcome back former Magpies midfielder Yohan Cabaye, with tabloids reporting that PSG are interested in offering the Toon hero’s services in a player-plus-cash exchange for Moussa Sissoko.
Sissoko has supposedly attracted attention from across Europe after his sensational displays under ex-boss Alan Pardew, and could be plucked away as Newcastle attempt to recruit a replacement coach.
Arsenal are also said to be interested in a January swoop for the box-to-box midfield man, but Ligue 1 rich kids PSG could edge ahead in the race for his signature by offering out-of-favour-Cabaye as a sweetener.
Once an apparent target for the Gunners and Manchester United, deep-lying playmaker Cabaye has seen his stock slump significantly since moving to Paris, and is supposedly unhappy with his playing time at the Parc des Princes.
An escape back to the Premier League could be the answer, with compatriot Sissoko potentially heading in the opposite direction.
Tyneside star Sissoko has more than filled former clubmate Cabaye’s shoes with his contributions in defence and attack, as the strong central midfielder helped Newcastle overpower Chelsea in the middle of the park this term.
The 25-year-old France international’s impressive performances have caught the eye and his mooted move could lead to PSG possessing an incredible array of players able to influence games from deep.
As Laurent Blanc prepares to face Jose Mourinho’s men in the Champions League, the rumoured addition of Sissoko could certainly tip the balance in his favour, with Thiago Motta, Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti already on the books.
The Magpies, meanwhile, will not want to lose top performer Sissoko but may have to make sacrifices as they look to rebuild and reshape for a new era under a new coach.
Cabaye could be the perfect replacement for his international teammate, and may feel more comfortable at his former stomping ground, as the 28-year-old tries to recapture his old form in the hopes of retaining a spot in the France squad.
Reports suggest Arsenal and PSG are the main contenders for Sissoko’s services, but Liverpool may yet emerge as a rival.
Following skipper Steven Gerrard’s announcement that this is to be his last season at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers must surely be targeting a replacement capable of shielding the backline and instigating attacks from deep.
Versatile Sissoko would seem to be the perfect solution to the Reds’ defensive woes, but Cabaye could also present an interesting option for Liverpool, 13/2 for a top four finish, if the former is out of their reach.
With both Rodgers’ Reds and Arsenal desperate to secure a top four spot and PSG hoping to launch a credible Champions League challenge, the France international pair could find themselves at the centre of a tempestuous transfer tug-of-war.
