Mathieu Debuchy wants Newcastle move, says Yohan Cabaye

Yohan Cabaye is hoping Newcastle can capture France team-mate Mathieu Debuchy after revealing the defender is desperate to follow him to Tyneside.

The Magpies have been trailing the 27-year-old Lille right-back for some time, but have yet to tempt the French club with an offer that comes anywhere near their valuation of him.

However, Cabaye, who made the same journey last summer in a £4.8million switch that proved one of the bargains of the transfer window, is confident Debuchy wants to come.

He told The Journal: "Mathieu has made a very difficult to decision to leave Lille, but he has made the decision. Now I hope Newcastle push for Mathieu and I want them to do the deal.

"I spoke with him two days ago and he told me he wants to come. I hope Derek (Llambias) and [owner] Mike Ashley will do the business now.

"He wants to play for Newcastle and I hope that he comes to Newcastle because, of course, he is my friend, but also a very good player for Newcastle."

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has waited patiently for progress on the transfer front with Ashley and managing director Llambias once again refusing to pay more than they want to for their targets.

Only youngsters Romain Amalfitano and Gael Bigirimana have arrived to date and Pardew is keeping his fingers crossed over the more experienced men in his sights.

In addition, he faces an anxious wait for the release clause in striker Demba Ba's contract to expire tomorrow with no club yet having activated it.

PA