Newcastle’s search for a new central defender has led them towards Pape Abou Cisse of Olympiacos, according to the Sun.
They report that a host of other clubs including Arsenal are keen on the towering 6ft 6ins centre-half, but Newcastle have started talks with his agent.
They are willing to offer a fee in the region of £12 million for Cisse, who is currently impressing with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
That international participation may be a stumbling block in terms of the difficulties of negotiating with a player who is on a different continent with his focus on national glory.
It also means that he could be away until 6 February, and therefore unable to come in and make an instant impact on Newcastle’s survival bid.
On the plus side, £12 million looks like an affordable fee for a new defender and he has the physical attributes to adjust to English football.
He also has Champions League and Europa League experience from his time in Greece.
Jose Sa came to the Premier League from Olympiacos in the summer without much fanfare but he has proved to be one of the signings of the season.
Perhaps Cisse could have a similar impact; at the very least, the example of Sa is enough to not write Cisse off because he is coming from Greek football.
The report says that Diego Carlos remains the club’s top central defensive target, but Cisse is more affordable and perhaps achievable target with the final days of the window approaching.
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