• Premier League

Pires urges Debuchy to join Toon

ESPN staff
July 8, 2012
Mathieu Debuchy played against England at Euro 2012 © PA Photos
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Former France international Robert Pires believes Newcastle United could be the best destination for right-back Mathieu Debuchy.

Debuchy, 26, is expected to leave Lille this summer and is strongly linked with a move to the Premier League. Newcastle are thought to have offered the Ligue 1 club a fee in the region of £4 million - and Pires thinks it could be a wise move for a player who caught the eye at Euro 2012.

"He has a game which really suits the Premier League with his speed. He also has such an attacking game, but is very aggressive in defence," Pires told Le 10 Sport. "If I have any advice to give him, it would be to try his luck in England.

"It does not really surprise me that English clubs are interested in him. Newcastle would be a very good club for him because he would find his friends [Yohan] Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

"Also, they are one of the top English clubs, with a history and a beautiful stadium. For him and the rest of his career, they would be a nice stepping stone."

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