Newcastle could revive their interest in long-term target Dmitri Payet after the winger was put up for sale by new Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa at the weekend. Efforts to improve our frail attack are ongoing with a bid for Montpellier playmaker Remy Cabella rejected last week and it's no coincidence that Payet's availability is being mentioned by the Chronicle in the wake of that. That's not to say the 27-year-old wouldn't be welcomed to St James' Park. In 30 starts last season he contributed eight goals and six assists, which is a more than respectable return for a wide player. It's reported that the France international could be available for around £8 million, perhaps even less, after he was informed by Bielsa that he is surplus to requirements at the Stade Veledrome. That would fit into the unspecified budget Mike Ashley has set aside for Alan Pardew and his recruitment team to refresh an ailing squad that is in desperate need of new blood to stave off what feels like an impending fight for survival next term. Supporters have grown restless with Ashley's unwillingness to put the money forward to match Cabella's valuation - which is believed to be in the region of £12m - and our general lack of success in the transfer market thus far, excluding the protracted signing of Ayoze Perez from Tenerife. Payet has been an abiding name our scouting radar and it's unclear what exactly is holding the Club back from going out and buying a player that will undoubtedly excite the Toon faithful.
