It has been a summer of frustration for Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew, as a number of his star names have been linked with a move away from the club. Midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been linked with an exit from the club due to interest from the likes of Paris St Germain and Manchester United.
The French international has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. He has also established himself firmly at the national team level as well. Even though he is primarily a defensive midfielder, his versatility is believed to have attracted the attention of several big names.
Newcastle United fans recently showed their support for the midfielder by chanting his name and asking for the club not to sell him during a recent friendly match. Cabaye has said that he is not worried about the transfer speculation and he is only focused on the opening game of the season. Newcastle were expected to strengthen their squad, but off the field incidents including the arrival of former manager Joe Kineaar has only served to increase the tension surrounding St James’s Park. The future of manager Pardew was also under a cloud of doubt only recently following Kineaar’s arrival.
“We have to be focused and ready for the first game on August 19. It was a good win at Blackpool. For me, it was my first win of the season, so it was nice. We played well in the first half. The second half was more difficult, but we were still working,” said the midfielder after the recent 1-0 win over Blackpool in a friendly match. After a disappointing campaign last time around, Newcastle United will be hoping to get back into the top 10 of the table. A good start is necessary if they are to do so.
