According to Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin, midfielder Remy Cabella will join Newcastle United at the end of the current season.
The Tyneside club have enjoyed much success in their recruitment of French players over the past few years, with the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Mathieu Debuchy and Yohan Gourcuff all making an impact in the Premier League. And it looks as though Alan Pardew has dipped into Ligue 1 again, this time for the signature of Cabella.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to St James Park since the window opened earlier this month, and it was initially thought that a deal would be wrapped up before the 31 January deadline. However, the player looks set to see the campaign out at the Stade de la Mosson, and help his side stave off the threat of relegation.
Montpellier, who won the title under Laurent Blanc just two years ago, are currently fifth from bottom in the league standings, and only four points above the relegation zone. So it is no surprise that they are reluctant to release Cabella this month, as the midfielder is a key player with six goals and five assists to his name from 20 matches this term.
The former France Under-21 international is under contract until 2016 so there is no desperate need to sell, but the chairman of the French club has revealed that a deal is in place with Newcastle for the summer. Speaking to Midi Libre, Nicollin said: “We have an agreement with the leaders of Newcastle that I will not reveal. But it does not include a departure for Remy Cabella before June, it is a certainty.”
The Journal indicated at the weekend that should the Magpies sign Cabella, it could be for a fee of around £12million. And the signing of the midfielder will likely increase speculation over the future of compatriot Cabaye. The former Lille star has been in excellent form this season, and has been linked with a summer move to Paris St Germain.
