Barcelona are plotting a shock move for Newcastle United’s star midfielder Yohan Cabaye, according to an exclusive story in The Sun.

The Spanish giants are considering an £8 million bid for the Euro 2012 star, arguably France’s best player at the tournament. According to The Sun’s sources, his displays for France have convinced the Barca hierarchy that the 26-year-old would be a better purchase than his international team-mate Yann M’Vila, the 22-year-old Rennes midfielder who is being courted by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is desperate to keep Cabaye at St. James’ Park after an impressive first season but is concerned that interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United could unsettle him. The Magpies signed Cabaye for £4.3 million on a five-year-deal from Lille last summer and are determined to sign his close friend and former club and current international team-mate Mathieu Debuchy, Pardew believing that the combination of the right-back and central midfielder that worked so well for France could be a key part of United’s next campaign.

Newcastle are likely to value Cabaye at over £10 million and Barcelona would need to significantly improve their offer before the Toon are likely to listen.

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