Newcastle United transfer target Yves Bissouma shined in his first Brighton and Hove Alvion appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, as he did well against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies were set to hold fresh talks with the Seagulls last month regarding a big-money move for their influential midfielder, according to the Mail.
Graham Potter’s side wanted £50m for the 25-year-old who has 18 months left on his current contract, but a move for the Malian international failed to materialise.
The Mail, though, did claim that PIF tried to see if a deal was ‘feasible’ for Bissouma during the January transfer window.
After missing Brighton’s last four games due to representing Mali at the African Cup of Nations, Bissouma was back in the starting line-up in yesterday’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Tottenham.
Yves Bissouma shines against Conte’s Spurs
Showcasing his box-to-box qualities, Bissouma was undoubtedly Brighton’s best player at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Driving forward and making late runs into the penalty area, Spurs struggled to track Brighton number eight’s clever movement.
Bissouma also showed great vision and awareness when receiving the ball in tight areas. In the second half, he produced a deft backheel, inside the penalty area, which gave Neal Maupay a great chance to score, but he blazed his effort over the bar.
Alongside Harry Kane, Bissouma was head and shoulders above everybody else on the pitch.
His performance would have caught the eye of Tottenham boss Antonio Conte who would have seen first-hand the qualities Bissouma would bring to his side.
Drifting past Pierre-Emile Højbjerg like he wasn’t there, Bissouma nearly scored when Brighton were trailing 2-0, but his deflected long-range effort was pushed to safety by Hugo Lloris.
In the 63rd minute, after winning back possession for his team, the former Lille midfielder ran across the edge of the Tottenham penalty area before his deflected effort flew past Lloris to make it 2-1.
But only three minutes after Bissouma’s goal, Kane put the cup clash beyond doubt with his second goal of the game.
Bissouma didn’t deserve to be on the losing side with his impressive performance.
Only Kane (5) had more shots than Bissouma (4) and the Englishman (8.63) just nudged the midfielder out (8.55) when it came to being awarded man of the match by WhoScored.
Bissouma finished the game with 94 touches and with 92% passing accuracy. He completed six dribbles which was more than any other player on the pitch.
His lung-busting runs from deep and the threat he carried resulted in him being the most-fouled player on the pitch (5).
Showcasing his all-action and all-round midfield qualities, alongside two tackles and one clearance, Bissouma won a staggering 15 duels.
Due to Bissouma staying at the Amex Stadium in the winter window, he will only have 12 months left on his contract come the summer.
That could force Brighton to lower their £50m asking price.
If Newcastle manage to retain teheir Premier League status, then PIF will most likely return with an approach to Brighton and Bissouma’s representatives.
Europe’s top clubs will no doubt come calling for Brighton’s star man.
But Yves Bissouma alongside the technically gifted Bruno Guimaraes would be a mouth-watering prospect, which could become a reality at St James’ Park next season.
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