Cabaye delighted to join legendary magpies, Enrique + Ba

NEWCASTLE United new boy Yohan Cabaye has revealed how he jumped at the chance to move to St James’ Park after being “sold” on the club’s ambitious project by boss Alan Pardew.

The France international midfielder put pen to paper on a five-year deal yesterday afternoon after canny United exploited a release clause in his contract to sign the France international for around £4.5million.

Utilising their network of contacts in France the club moved quickly to snap up Cabaye, who was also being watched by Premier League rivals Liverpool – the Merseysiders have close contacts with Lille through sporting director Damien Comolli – and Arsenal.

The 25-year-old, who flew to Tyneside by private jet with his wife after playing for France in Poland on Thursday, said he was always going to snub their overtures in favour of United – especially after speaking to Pardew last month.

Hailing United as a “legendary” destination, he said Pardew’s commitment to quick, passing football meant he couldn’t sign quickly enough.

“I am very happy to be in Newcastle. It’s my first transfer and I am joining a big, legendary club,” he told The Journal.

“There was talk of Liverpool and Arsenal but Newcastle were the club who made the move for me and I really like Alan Pardew’s strategy and how he told me he wants to play.

“I heard of other interest but I didn’t hesitate for one second to join Newcastle because they have an ambitious project.” That project also appears to include a move for West Ham forward Demba Ba – sources close to the striker indicated that United are keen to broker a deal for him, despite initial concerns over a long-standing knee problem.

A move is not understood to be imminent though, with Newcastle checking out other targets.

Confusion still reigns over top target Kevin Gameiro – who has indicated a preference to go to Spain or French side Paris Saint Germain – and Cabaye’s former Lille team-mate Gervinho, also a target for Arsenal and Tottenham, who have reportedly had a £12m bid rejected for the striker.

June is likely to see much more shadow boxing as clubs jostle for position, but United have posted a genuine statement of intent by bringing Cabaye to Tyneside.

Polite and well-mannered, the midfielder spoke through an interpreter in his first meeting with the local press yesterday.

But in a sign of his commitment to the cause he has already looked at property on Tyneside, and is determined to make the most of his big move.

“My first impression is that I love the stadium and the city,” he said.

“I am glad this move has happened and I cannot wait to meet the fans now.”

For his part, Pardew was delighted to bring Cabaye to Tyneside.

The Newcastle manager was back in the country after a short break yesterday and hailed Cabaye’s “first-class pedigree”.

“We are delighted to have signed Yohan on a five-year contract,” he said.

“He has a first-class pedigree having proved himself at the top level in France, both for his club and the national team.

“He will add great quality to our squad and I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Meanwhile, Jose Enrique’s agent has spoken for the first time about his contract situation – batting back links with Liverpool and Barcelona.

The left-back has been continually linked with a move away from United but the club still hope to tempt him to sign a “lucrative” new contract.

His agent Salvador Sanchez told the Spanish press: “We know nothing but what has emerged in press''.

 

Journal?

Decent Read

 

Yes mate Journal live

 

Oh the suspense! Where's the rest of the quote?

 

Erm just put the rest on. Still doesn't mean anything tho haha