5 Reasons Newcastle Must Sell Papiss Cisse (And 5 Why They Shouldn't)

Newcastle United supporters adore their No 9s. Players such as Hughie Gallagher, Jackie Milburn, Wyn Davies, Malcolm MacDonald, Andy Cole and, of course, Alan Shearer have adorned the iconic black-and-white jersey down the years, receiving the affection of the St James' Park crowd as they hammered in goal upon goal. To the supporters on the terraces at St James' Park the player who has been given the responsibility of wearing the No 9 out on the field is not merely parading around in just another shirt - he is carrying the hopes and dreams of the Toon faithful. For some, the number has proved a burden that has lain heavy on their back. Obafemi Martins, for example, simply could not live up to the huge weight of expectation that comes with the No 9 shirt on Tyneside. But what about Papiss Cisse? The 30-year-old Senegalese international arrived at Newcastle from SC Freiburg for £9.3 million back in January 2012 and immediately made a statement - netting 13 times in his opening 14 Premier League matches. The next couple of seasons proved less fruitful, however, as he was shifted out wide and lost his form, netting just 17 times in 73 games. Yet during the 2014-15 campaign, Cisse was back with a bang - scoring 11 goals in just 22 Premier League games and effectively keeping Newcastle in the Premier League almost singlehandedly. But this summer Newcastle are actively looking to sell Cisse for £10 million and recruit at least one forward - potentially two - in his place. Some supporters have welcomed this move, while others have lambasted it. So should Cisse be sold? Well here's five reasons why he should - and five why he shouldn't...