Sissoko is running out of time to leave Toon
MOUSSA Sissoko has been named in the France squad for his country’s friendly game with Italy – but he is still sweating on a transfer from Newcastle United before the transfer window shuts.
Sissoko had agreed on personal terms with Inter Milan but it now appears that the Serie A side are struggling to find the money for his transfer fee.
With Inter also concerned about meeting Financial Fair Play obligations a switch to the San Siro is in serious doubt.
United have had no firm offers for Sissoko despite a summer of links with various clubs and supporters are getting tired of the long-running saga.
However, France boss Didier Deschamps said: “His transfer situation should be solved very soon. He has always been an important player for us.”
The Newcastle midfielder has watched on from Tyneside as moves to Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Everton have crumbled in the last month.
He is yet to kick a ball for the Magpies in the Sky Bet Championship but has trained with Rafa Benitez’s squad. Newcastle has managed to stop Sissoko speaking to overseas media for now after a spate of interviews in which he has reiterated his wish to quit the club.
But with the transfer window set to close in six days, Sissoko knows he is running out of time to win a move from Newcastle.
The Magpies are sticking to their £35m valuation of the player and should he stay on Tyneside he would be expected to play for United in the first half of the season in the Championship.
Meanwhile, United are in talks to sign Palermo left-back Achraf Lazaar. And the club are pressing on with plans to bring in another winger and striker before the transfer window closes next week.
Morocco international Lazaar has also attracted interest from West Ham, Southampton and Crystal Palace this summer.
The 24-year-old is thought to be keen on a move to England after emerging as one of the best fullbacks in Serie A last season.
Lazaar only has 10 months left on his current deal and will be available to leave the Italian side on a free transfer at the end of this campaign.
He could cost around €3m as Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his squad with two or three more additions before deadline day.
Meanwhile, Daryl Janmaat has thanked Watford for throwing him a Premier League lifeline.
The full-back said: “I was really pleased that Watford showed interest in me because I wanted to play in the Premier League.”