Newcastle interested in transfer-listed French international?

There are several reports today, from the rather ridiculous UK publication that is The Sun to the usually sublime French publication of L'equipe, suggesting that Newcastle are taking a serious look at Aly Cissokho.

The 23-year-old Lyon left-back is a full French international after having made his way up through the leagues in France. He could have represented Senegal due to his family roots, but opted to represent the country that he was actually born in.

Cissokho has fallen out of favour at Lyon thanks to a long-running dispute with their management with the French press claiming that he has handed in a transfer request after hearing that Newcastle are prepared to bid £7 million for the player.

He'd be a good option. Strong, fast, with good technical ability there is a case to suggest that Cissokho has the potential to better than the man he will end up replacing should any interest firm up.

Liverpool had been linked with a move for the left-back although, quite obviously, they have plumped for the cheaper option of Jose Enrique. Could the one time Liverpool target be set to replace a now Liverpool player at Newcastle?

I don't know how true it is, but it seems that we've been linked with a couple of decent names in terms of the left-back position. Good job really as that is one of the holes that needs patching up in our first-team. I'd be fine with either Cissokho or Erik Pieters to be honest, but the difference is that we at least know we are in dialogue with PSV over a move for the latter.

For that reason I would say that the Cissokho rumour is just that - a rumour. I can't for the life of me see Newcastle having the foresight to negotiate on two fronts as that could be construed as us having a backup plan and it's my belief that NUFC wouldn't take the risk of agreeing to sign two players for the same position. I believe that is the reason stated for not getting a replacement in for Jose whilst he was still here, right?

As ever, time will tell. We do need a left-back however, and Cisskho is one, but I feel this one is a non-starter.

Mind you, he is French...