Steve McClaren Insists He Wants To Keep "Infectious" Newcastle Star Amid Transfer Interest

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren insists Papiss Cisse's "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 Anderlecht's 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 Toon's winner in their 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Gateshead on Friday night in McClaren's first game in charge. And, judging by McClaren's comments, the Magpies head coach is keen to keep Cisse at St James' Park. He told The Chronicle:

"He's (Cisse's) infectious around the place - smiling every day. He's a typical kind of striker. "He got 11 goals in 22 games last year - 11 starts and 11 sub appearances. So I think we've all got to thank Papiss and his goals for still being in the league. "He's here and that's 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. https://twitter.com/CissePapiss/status/613327739316252672 Since he arrived from SC Freiburg for £9.3 million in January 2012, Cisse€™s form has been patchy - with some exceptional highs and some dreadful lows. An incredible 13 goals came in his first 14 Premier League games, but just 17 strikes arrived in the following two campaigns. In 109 appearances in all for Newcastle, Cisse has scored 41 times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.