The Chronicle is reporting that Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Moussa Sissoko.
However, Newcastle’s demands for a £35m fee may prove problematic. The Spanish giants appear to have lost out in the race for Paul Pogba and are turning their attention to Sissoko as an alternative.
Having also seen Barcelona sign another target Andre Gomes from Valencia, Madrid president Florentino Perez is floundering in the transfer market and desperately needs to strengthen his squad.
It’s being suggested in media reports that the fee will be significantly reduced with some of the cost offset by players travelling in the opposite direction, either on loan or permanently.
Either way, let’s hope any Madrid players coming to St James Park work out better than Michael Owen. His injury hit spell was hardly a rining endorsement of the clubs doing business together. Add into that Rafa’s own fractious past with Perez and this has the opportunity to be a lively interlude.
With Everton and Juventus still interested, Sissoko could leave the club before he has to return to pre-season training.