The French Connection.

The conclusion of the French domestic league seasons over the weekend may now signal the start of several transfer deals involving Newcastle - with the added complication of international call-ups to contend with.

A 2-1 win for Montpellier at Auxerre was enough to confirm them as First Division champions, with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa making his 34th league appearance of the season. The 23 year-old defender has missed only eight games in three seasons since his side were promoted.

The match wasn't without incident, with disgruntled home fans causing two separate stoppages after throwing flares, toilet rolls and tennis balls on to the pitch.

Montpellier captain Yanga-Mbiwa then collected the championship trophy at a street party on Monday night, as speculation over his future intensifies and a move to England looks likely. And despite the lack of a Champions League place next season, Newcastle remain strongly placed in ongoing negotiations with the player.

Lille meanwhile ended their season with a third place finish after a 4-1 home victory over Nancy, although Matheiu Debuchy didn't feature due to suspension.

The 26 year-old defender has been strongly linked with a move to Gallowgate and is a close friend of former Lille team mate Yohan Cabaye. Debuchy joined the rest of his current colleagues on the field at full time on Sunday and appeared to be bidding farewell to the Lille supporters:

Looking very likely that he could be joining us.

From nufc.com

 

Is no other club said to be interested in him?

 

Nearly sure to be other clubs interested in a player of his calibre, but he seems to want to come here.

 

Of course, and what makes you think that?

 

The good news is that Commoli doesn't have a job just now...

 

The 26 year-old defender has been strongly linked with a move to Gallowgate and is a close friend of former Lille team mate Yohan Cabaye.

 

That wont count for much when another club offers him more money im afraid.

 

Yes and no: we have an excellent reputation for helping French players adapt, a large French speaking continget and can offer European football. Somebody like Fulham (just to pick a name out of a hat) would have to offer quite a bit more money than us to sign the same player.

On the other hand, if Arsenal want him, we probably can't compete

 

As always we'll find out soon enough. Obviously just nufc.com speculating but the Debuchy link does seem to have some substance. I'll happily see both arrive but we won't be alone in our interest in either player. It'll all come out in the wash as they say.

 

Debuchy would be a great signing and a realistic one IMO, Mbwia not so much but no harm in dreaming...

 

Debuchy is the one I'd like to see most in B&W.

 

I read that no player at Montpellier earns more than £15kpw! There's League One sides that don't stick to that limit!

 

Dangle a £20k a week carrot in front of them and they could be easily persuaded to come over here.

 

Yeah, Giroud is their top earner on 15kpw.