Mali international determined to force Newcastle move.

It's a bit "out there" this one, but it would appear that Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga has refused to play for the French outfit as he wants to join Newcastle.

I know what you're thinking. Who? Same as me really.

To the best of my knowledge this is a new name that has been linked with although with our ability to pull rabbits out of hats in the transfer market I guess I really shouldn't be surprised that we are in for someone that has so far gone unnoticed by everyone. I'm just waiting to see if he has some quirky contract or a full set of limbs. I'm sure there will be a catch somewhere...

This isn't just another piece of speculation. There are actual quotes from the player who goes into some detail about an alleged bid from NUFC, his desire to move to the North East, and his disdain for the Sochaux board who are thus far refusing to discuss the possibility of the player moving away having only joined them last summer.

Maiga was asked by L'equipe if there had been an offer from Newcastle to which he replied: "Yes, but before the Newcastle offer I have not been offered anything, but now I would like the chairman to consider my interest. I want to leave.

"I met everyone at Newcastle. They want me and it is not just any club. Premier League is a dream. That is the kind of game I like, it suits me and it is good for my career. I want to leave, he has to accept that and negotiate."

"I told the coach I would play and respect my contract, but the chairman has to talk about my transfer first. I don't want to annoy Sochaux, but I want it to be sorted out with Newcastle."

The rejected bid is believed to be in the region of £7 million, but it appears to have not been enough for the striker come winger who scored 15 goals last season. This has angered Maiga.

"Offers have now come for me and the chairman refused to talk," he told L'Equipe. "I had a meeting with him and I could not accept his position, it is just like a big slap in the face."

"It was the very first time I asked for something and I believe it is lack of respect. Why refusing to talk? It is selfish, I can't understand."

"You can't refuse such an offer. The sums are huge, both for me and for the club. Sochaux will not lose."

Well I did say it was a bit "out there". Personally I've not heard anything about him but he seems to be highly rated. A quick look on YouTube (I know I know) doesn't really pull up much. A few goals but not too much and certainly no clips over 30 seconds long. Another Graham Carr special perhaps?

There is one thing that concerns me though, and that is that the 6ft 1in, 23-year-old plays his international football for Mali. A slight concern when we'll already be missing the likes of Cheik Tiote and Demba Ba for the African Cup of Nations later on in the year. Could we afford to lose three players? It could even be four should Shola Ameobi make an appearance for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Frightening.

What do you make of it?