London calling as Cabaye swaps Paris for life at Palace
YOHAN CABAYE, the new Crystal Palace signing, insists he is ready to “fight” for manager Alan Pardew with the pair reunited following the midfielder’s move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The former Newcastle United player will again link up with Pardew, who initially took Cabaye to St James’ Park in 2011.
Having developed into a firm fans’ favourite, the lure of returning to his native France to represent PSG proved too strong and he completed a big-money move to the Parc des Princes last year. Now he will be hoping to help Palace build on their top-half finish from last season and has praised Pardew for playing a big role in bringing him back to the Barclays Premier League. “I’m very happy to be here and to work again with the manager,” he said. “I know the manager, I know England and the language and I know the Premier League. Now I’m in London too so that’s good. I have worked with him (Pardew) before and I’m confident with him.”
Elsewhere, Stoke’s recruitment continues apace after the club signed keeper Shay Given.
The announcement of the Republic of Ireland internationalist’s arrival on a two-year deal came less than an hour after the Potters secured Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel on a season-long loan.
“I know Shay particularly well from our time together at Manchester City and I’m really looking forward to working with him again,” said manager Mark Hughes. “He will not only be a great asset on the pitch as an outstanding goalkeeper but he’s also a fantastic character to have in the dressing room and around the club – a true professional.”
Given’s former club Villa, meanwhile, have signed Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye on a four-year contract. Manager Tim Sherwood said the 25-year-old, who has 24 Senegal caps, had been one of the best midfielders in France in the last couple of years.
“I’m really pleased to have brought Idrissa on board,” he told avfc.co.uk.
Elsewhere, Louis van Gaal, the Manchester United manager, has confirmed defender Matteo Darmian is scheduled to have a medical ahead of a move from Torino.
The 25-year-old full-back is travelling to England after a fee, in the region of £12.7 million, was agreed. Asked whether he was on his way to Manchester for a medical, Van Gaal added: “Yes.”