Newcastle Transfer News: Sevilla Keen On Papiss Cisse

The Europa League champions could prove an attractive prospect for Cisse.

By Chris Waugh /

Newcastle United forward Papiss Cisse could be tempted to leave the North East this summer after Europa League champions Sevilla became the latest club linked to the Senegalese forward. Cisse had to endure a relegation battle with the Magpies last season while Sevilla finished fifth in La Liga and triumphed in Europe's secondary competition - meaning they will play Champions League football in 2015-16. And The Sun claim Sevilla have earmarked Cisse, who scored 11 goals in just 22 Premier League appearances for Newcastle in 2014-15, as the man to spearhead their attack in the competition.
They expect to lost their star forward Carlos Bacca, who netted 28 goals in 40 games last season, to Manchester United or Spurs and want to replace him with Cisse. Since arriving on Tyneside from SC Freiburg for £9.3 million back in January 2012, Cisse has blown both hot and cold. He shot on to the Premier League scene with 13 goals in his first 14 appearances, but then he added just 17 more in 73 games over the next two seasons.
However, his form returned in the last campaign and he finished as Newcastle's top scorer - despite numerous spells on the sidelines with injuries, suspensions and international call-ups. The striker, who has scored 16 goals in 32 international appearances for Senegal, will be 30 on June 3rd and he has been continuously linked with a move away from Newcastle during the last couple of seasons. If Sevilla do firm up their interest, then the Magpies may allow the forward to leave due to his age - while Cisse could well be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.