French Club Warns Off Pardew

24 May 2012 10:15
Newcastle face a battle to land one of their leading summer transfer targets after Lille say they want to keep Mathieu Debuchy in France.

Debuchy has emerged as the Magpies' preferred replacement for right-back Danny Simpson, who is expected to leave St James' Park this summer unless he is able to agree a new deal.

Even if Simpson remains on Tyneside, Alan Pardew is keen to strengthen his back four and Debuchy would still be a desirable option after an impressive campaign in Ligue One.

The 26-year-old is a close friend of Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye and has expressed a desire to move to the Premier League once he has represented France in the European Championships.

Lille boss Rudi Garcia: "I want all the important players to stay at Lille next season.

"I include Mathieu in that.

"I want him to have a great time at the Euros and then come back to us and show his best form during the summer."

As well as targeting a full-back, the Magpies manager is also keen to recruit a new centre-half, with the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Douglas and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa under consideration.

Source: FOOTYMAD