Newcastle United are looking to sign Lille defensive-midfielder Idrissa Gueye as a potential replacement for Cheick Tiote, should the Ivorian leave Tyneside this summer. Gueye has been interesting the likes of Aston Villa, Southampton, West Ham United and Marseille but now the Magpies have turned their attentions to the Senegal international, according to Tutto Mercato. Reports last week claimed Marseille had agreed a £7.5 million fee with Lille for Gueye, but nothing has yet come to fruition and it is believed that the 25-year-old would actually cost upwards of £9 million. With Magpies defensive-midfielder Cheick Tiote pining for a move away from Newcastle this summer, Graham Carr has returned to his favourite French market for a possible successor. Turkish sides Trabzonspor and Besiktas have shown an early interest in Tiote but as of yet no bids have been received by Newcastle. Should Tiote leave though, then Gueye would be a ready-made replacement. Capped 23 times by Senegal, the 5ft 7in midfielder has been at Lille since 2010 and has made 104 Ligue 1 appearances for the club, scoring once - even claiming the French title during his first season. In 2014-15, Gueye played 43 matches and scored four times, being booked on six occasions. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
