Newcastle midfielder pushing for Real Madrid move

Rather than try to help the Magpies bid for promotion to the Premier League this season, Moussa Sissoko is looking to leave St James’ Park.

After impressing with France at Euro 2016, Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko is trying to secure a move to Real Madrid, with Juventus also interested.

The 26-year-old has made it clear that he is keen to leave the Magpies after their relegation to the Championship, and has said that he would welcome the chance to join Real Madrid.

On Friday evening, Newcastle kicked off their Championship campaign with a surprise 1-0 loss away to Fulham, with Sissoko not included in the squad.

“Who would not be flattered by the interest of Real Madrid?” he told French newspaper L’Equipe. “My time at Newcastle is finished, I feel ready to play for a great club and to take the next step in my career.

“Playing under the tutelage of Zinedine Zidane would be really special.”

Sissoko’s head coach, Rafa Benitez, formerly of Real Madrid, has also prepared himself for the midfielder’s departure.

“Sometimes it is worse to keep players in the team who are unhappy, it is better to let them go away.”