The Daily Telegraph reports this morning that Moussa Sissoko had caught the eye of West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis before starring for France. It could have been worse, he might still have been managing Stoke City.
Perhaps Sissoko should take note that the report states Pulis is the only manager to confirm his interest when the board were looking for £22m. Post-Euro 2016, the £35m fee has so far, deterred Everton, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund from making a bid. Arsenal, his preferred destination, have no inclination to add him to their squad.
It raises awkward questions for the player to ponder. Returning to training won’t be an issue, I am sure the squad will welcome him back but winning over the stands is an altogether different matter. We’ve already seen a negative reaction at Doncaster and although I’d be surprised if there were anything similar at St James Park, complete indifference toward Sissoko wouldn’t go unnoticed.
Like Barcelona, Real Madrid have a habit of softening up selling clubs through the media and agents. Whether they will get anywhere with Messrs Charnley and Ashley with that tactic remains to be seen.
