• Premier League

Debuchy on brink of Newcastle switch

ESPN staff
December 30, 2012
Mathieu Debuchy is on the brink of a move to Newcastle United © PA Photos
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Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy is close to joining Newcastle United for a fee believed to be in the region of £5 million.

Debuchy, 27, has been a long-term target for the Magpies, with their failure to secure his signature in the summer considered a major failure by the club. Speaking at the time, Lille owner Michael Seydoux stated that Newcastle's offer did not match their own valuation.

"The offer from Newcastle is definitely not at the value of the player," he told L'Equipe in August, "For Mathieu Debuchy to leave, it would have taken the offer to be consistent and commensurate with his replacement. As the conditions are not met, it is my duty to make a decision."

That was followed by confirmation from the player himself recently that he did not believe he would be leaving the club in the New Year, but still hoped to one day join Newcastle. However with a deal that includes bonuses now agreed, it seems the defender will get his wish and fly to Tyneside this week to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.

A current France international, Debuchy played in all four of Les Bleus games at the European Championship this summer, earning stellar reviews. A close friend of current Magpies midfielder Yohan Cabaye, whom he played with while at Lille, it is thought Cabaye played a significant role in convincing his former team-mate to join him on Tyneside.

The move is also likely to impact current right back Danny Simpson. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his current Newcastle deal but is eager to remain with the club, with negotiations expected to recommence in the New Year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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