Newcastle Transfers: 5 Replacements For Yohan Cabaye That Pardew Must Consider

2. Mathieu Valbuena

Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has publicly flirted with a move to the Premier League in the past, and was at it again earlier this month. The 29-year-old has made no secret of his ambition for a 'new challenge' away from Marseille and is a long-term transfer target of Newcastle's, who were linked with the midfielder last summer. Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be keen on the attacker, who has scored three Ligue 1 goals this season and provided 11 assists and is renowned for his speed. He has previously teased a move away from France, saying:

I never hide that a new challenge abroad would attract me.

Valbuena is set to be out of contract this summer after signing a one-year extension last year, and could move to Newcastle on the cheap this month or sign a pre-contract agreement before arriving in the summer.