Transfer news: Newcastle don't fear losing Arsenal 'target' Yohan Cabaye in cut-price deal, says Alan Pardew

Toon boss says they don't fear losing their French star to the FIFA clause

Newcastle don't fear losing Yohan Cabaye (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said he's not concerned after news came to light that Yohan Cabaye could buy out his contract for £6m next summer - much lower than the fee they hope to get through selling him

The France international, who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain, could be entitled to buy out the last two years of his five-year contract under FIFA's Webster Rule.

Should he do just that, the St. James' Park club would miss out on the £20million-plus they value him at unless they sell in this window.

The Mirror report that Cabaye is paid £60,000-a-week in the North East but Article 17 of FIFA's transfer rules say the midfielder can cancel the contract "without just cause" by paying his employers the remaining value of his deal and move elsewhere on a free.

Newcastle themselves took advantage of the clause in question when they signed Jonas Gutierrez on the cheap from Spanish side Mallorca in 2008.

Pardew admits he is aware of the situation, but expects the Frenchman to stay.

He said: "It doesn't worry me. The point you are raising is something that has been raised at an international level, it's not isolated to Yohan Cabaye.

"Whether that's possible, I don't know, it's not my department, if I am honest.

"The most important thing is that he has two-years left on his contract in the summer and we are looking forward to him playing for Newcastle for the rest of this season, and we will take it from there in the summer."