Report: Magpies, Inter battle for Debuchy
According to the Daily Mail, Inter Milan have entered the race for long-time Newcastle target Mathieu Debuchy.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
One of the most consistent performers for France at Euro 2012, Debuchy has been pursued by Newcastle prior to the start of the tournament. With the Frenchman keen to move on from Ligue 1, he is expected to hold talks with his club Lille upon returning from his holiday this week and publically state his intention to leave.
Talks between Lille and Newcastle have already begun, with Magpies manager Alan Pardew recently making an improved offer from his 5 million Euro bid last week. The Newcastle board were hoping to wrap up the deal for Debuchy, but now face added competition in the form of Inter Milan.
After reported interest from Chelsea for their full-back Maicon, the Italian club have identified the Lille player as the man they wish to bring in to replace the Brazilian. Sources in Italy indicate that a Chelsea deal for Maicon has already been agreed, and the Nerazzurri plan to use the wage budget freed by the former Monaco defender's departure to offer Debuchy a better salary deal than Newcastle.
Nonetheless, the Magpies remain confident that Debuchy will snub interest from Italy and sign for them as a result of his strong interest to play in the Premier League.