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Pardew vows to replace Cabaye in the summer

Alan Pardew insists Newcastle will not give up on Europe despite trailing Spurs by 10 points © Getty Images

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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has conceded that selling Yohan Cabaye all but ended the club's European ambitions this season, but is adamant that the midfielder will be replaced this summer.

Cabaye joined Paris Saint-Germain in January for an estimated £19 million, with Pardew left frustrated by Newcastle's failure to replace the Frenchman before the transfer window closed.

"It's fair to say the transfer made it harder to qualify for Europe - and I don't think anyone would disagree with that - because we couldn't replace him. But that doesn't mean to say we can't replace him in the summer.

"We know we have got good players here, but we do need that controller of the ball, that manoeuvre, that clever player, and we will get one in the summer, for sure."

Chief scout Graham Carr is searching for potential candidates to bring to St James' Park in time for next season, while Montpellier midfielder Remy Cabella - the subject of a failed bid in January - remains a target.

Pardew has also hinted that on-loan Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could be a replacement for Loic Remy, who is expected to leave at the end of the season.

"I think he is a player a lot of clubs will be looking at in the summer. I don't think Everton will get a free run at him," said Pardew, whose three-game touchline ban comes to an end after Tuesday's game against Roberto Martinez's side.

"At the moment, it is a bit like we are with Loic. It is a situation that Everton would love to keep him, as we would with Loic, but those questions are really out of Everton's and our control."

Newcastle currently lie eighth in the Premier League table, 10 points adrift of Tottenham in fifth - a far cry from their standing at Christmas, when a 5-1 Boxing Day win against Stoke left them three points adrift of the top four.

"I had a letter from one of our fans this week saying they have been proud of the team since we got 40 points because it's very difficult," Pardew added.

"You look at the history of the Premier League - teams hit 40 points and switch off. Well, we have not done that.

"We will just keep fighting away and trying to achieve the best possible results we can for our fans. We have got the best fans in the country and we want to do the best for them."

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