Transfer News: Real Madrid in pole position to sign Sissoko

Real Madrid are in pole position to sign Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko on a player-plus-cash deal, if reports from the English media are to be believed.

Sissoko was unable to make the French starting XI at the start of the 2016 European Championships, but was later given a chance in the quarterfinals against Iceland by coach Didier Deschamps, as Leicester City star N’Golo Kante was suspended. However, his performance against Iceland earned him a spot in Le Bleus’ starting lineup in the semifinal and final against Germany and Portugal, respectively.

The Newcastle United man caught the eye of the top European sides with his performances in these three matches (despite the fact that France lost the final), and is now being targeted by a number of clubs.

France's midfielder Moussa Sissoko (L) and France's midfielder Paul Pogba react during the last minutes of the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. Portugal beat France 1-0 to clinch the Euro 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) — France’s midfielder Moussa Sissoko (L) and France’s midfielder Paul Pogba react during the last minutes of the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016.
Portugal beat France 1-0 to clinch the Euro 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Juventus superstar Paul Pogba all summer. However, Los Blancos seems to have lost out on the Frenchman’s signature, with Manchester United reported to be the favourites to land him.

Having lost out on the opportunity to sign Pogba, Real Madrid were tipped to make a move for Valencia and Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes. However, Los Blancos had to give up their ambitions of signing the Portuguese star as well, with arch rivals Barcelona confirming Gomes’ signing on Friday.

Zinedine Zidane is now said to have turned his attention towards Newcastle United midfielder Sissoko, in an attempt to strengthen his midfield. According to local newspaper Newcastle Chronicle, the Magpies want £35 million for their French star.

France's midfielder Moussa Sissoko jumps for the ball during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) — France’s midfielder Moussa Sissoko jumps for the ball during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

However, Real Madrid are reportedly unwilling to pay that amount for a player from the second tier of English football (the Championship), and are looking to negotiate with Newcastle for a lower fee. According to the report, Real Madrid are also willing to offer another player in exchange for Sissoko, in a player-plus-cash deal.

Sissoko, who can play on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, and as a central midfielder, has also drawn interest from a number of other clubs like Everton and Juventus. In fact, the Bianconeri are said to be looking at Sissoko as a possible replacement for Pogba, should the latter decide to leave Turin for Manchester United.