Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren insists Papiss Cisses infectious attitude and goalscoring prowess could yet keep the Senegalese striker at the club, despite speculation linking him with a move away. The Magpies have actively explored the possibility of selling their star forward for £10 million this summer, and reports over the weekend even suggested Turkish sides Trabzonspor and Besiktas were looking to make bids. With Newcastle also looking to sign Anderlechts Aleksandar Mitrovic, as well as Queens Park Rangers Charlie Austin, serious doubts have been raised as to whether or not Cisse will still be on Tyneside come the start of the 2015-16 Premier League season. Not only did Cisse net 11 goals in 22 appearances last season to help keep Newcastle in the Premier League, but he also scored the Toons winner in their 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Gateshead on Friday night in McClarens first game in charge. And, judging by McClarens comments, the Magpies head coach is keen to keep Cisse at St James Park. He told The Chronicle:
Hes (Cisses) infectious around the place smiling every day. Hes a typical kind of striker. He got 11 goals in 22 games last year 11 starts and 11 sub appearances. So I think weve all got to thank Papiss and his goals for still being in the league. Hes here and thats it at the present moment.
Interestingly, amid speculation Newcastle were set to offer Austin the No 9 shirt in order to tempt the striker to Tyneside last month, Cisse tweeted that he was proud to wear the famous black-and-white jersey, suggesting he wants to stay on Tyneside. Not only did Cisse net 11 goals in 22 appearances last season to help keep Newcastle in the Premier League, but he also scored the Toons winner in their 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Gateshead on Friday night in McClarens first game in charge. And, judging by McClarens comments, the Magpies head coach is keen to keep Cisse at St James Park. He told The Chronicle:
Hes (Cisses) infectious around the place smiling every day. Hes a typical kind of striker. He got 11 goals in 22 games last year 11 starts and 11 sub appearances. So I think weve all got to thank Papiss and his goals for still being in the league. Hes here and thats it at the present moment.
Interestingly, amid speculation Newcastle were set to offer Austin the No 9 shirt in order to tempt the striker to Tyneside last month, Cisse tweeted that he was proud to wear the famous black-and-white jersey, suggesting he wants to stay on Tyneside. 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.
