PSG’s wantaway playmaker Cabaye open to Pardew reunion at Palace

After enduring a lacklustre maiden campaign back in his home nation with French champions PSG, former Newcastle United playmaker Yohan Cabaye has remarkably opened the door for a potential reunion with previous Tyneside mentor Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace.

The France international midfielder has struggled to cement his position in the starting line-up under Laurent Blanc this season, having only made a stuttering 13 Ligue 1 starting appearances, and featured form the start on just 22 occasions overall in all competitions.

Former Toon head coach Pardew worked with the sought-after Frenchman for three years during their time together at St James’ Park, but Cabaye agreed a reported £19m to the Parc des Princes in January 2014 and Palace’s current manager arrived at his new employers in January this year.

Although a high-profile reunion is now seemingly possible at Selhurst Park, after Cabaye declared that he would welcome the chance to work with Pardew once again in the Premier League, and the Eagles are hopeful of his signature for next season (11/2 with Coral to be relegated).

“It went very well with him [last time]. If I have to make that decision, it will be a pleasure to see my old coach. I enjoy it with him and he does a great job,” stated Cabaye.

“I am in a situation today where I am not getting the game time that I was hoping for. The important thing is that I will think carefully and make the best decision. We will see how it evolves in the coming weeks.”

The 29-year-old is currently helping his country prepare for Euro 2016 with several international friendly fixtures, ahead of next summer’s tournament being held on their home soil (4/1 to win), and was part of the France outfit that were toppled 4-3 by Belgium recently.

It remains to be seen whether or not Palace could afford to fund such a transfer coup, with Cabaye having been sold for close to £20m 18 months ago, and his wages still a substantial amount.

With PSG lifting another French league title this term and set to make a genuine push for European glory next season (12/1), would the talented Frenchman really swap Champions League football for guaranteed regular action with Palace in England’s top-flight?

“There is a situation now where I have not had the playing time that I hoped for,” continued Cabaye.

“My representatives are working to find the best solution. In the future, what’s important is to play every weekend.”

Cabaye’s recent comments on his future would suggest he would be willing to sacrifice playing in Europe’s elite club competition for games every week, giving the Palace faithful extreme cause for excitement.