• Europa League

Pardew: No Spurs bid for Cabaye

ESPN staff
October 3, 2012
Newcastle prepare for Europa League test

Newcastle continue their Europa League campaign against Bordeaux at St James' Park live on ESPN. Click here to subscribe.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has denied claims that Yohan Cabaye turned down the chance to join Tottenham in the summer.

Cabaye was recently quoted as saying that he was approached by Spurs, who had targeted the Frenchman as a like-for-like replacement for Luka Modric, who left for Real Madrid.

However, although Pardew concedes it is only natural that the Magpies' star names attract attention from the big clubs, he insists Cabaye never had the chance to turn down Tottenham.

"There was no offer from Spurs so Cabaye never had the opportunity," Pardew said on Sky Sports News.

Newcastle were the surprise package of last season as they narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot, finishing fifth above European champions Chelsea.

They have failed to reach such heights so far this season with nine points from their opening six matches, but ahead of Newcastle's Europa League clash against Bordeaux, Pardew believes continued success will be enough to convince the likes of Cabaye and Cheik Tiote to stay at St James' Park.

"The likes of Yohan and one or two other players are going to be courted by some of the top sides; that's natural," he said.

"What is important is the development of players - players develop here - and I think it is important that we give them a platform for success.

"The only way we can keep the likes of Yohan, Papiss Cisse, Cheik Tiote, Demba Ba is to bring success. That's the only way and that's what we are going to have to try and do.

"Hopefully together we can achieve that and then we elevate our goals for next year."

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