Newcastle join Arsenal in £12m Pape Abou Cisse transfer battle after Senegal centre-back impresses at Afcon

NEWCASTLE have joined the January switch race for Olympiacos star Pape Abou Cisse.

Cisse has been beforehand linked with Arsenal, Everton, Leicester and Liverpool following a collection of standout performances within the Champions League and Europa League for the Piraeus outfit all through the years.

Newcastle are holding tabs on Olympiacos star Pape Abou Cisse in the course of the Africa Cup of NationsCredit score: Getty

Pape Abou Cisse has additionally been linked with Arsenal, Everton, Leicester and LiverpoolCredit score: Getty

However sources have instructed SunSport that the Magpies have additionally entered the bidding battle after watching the centre-back's spectacular shows within the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

The Toon have held talks with the 26-year-old's agent and wish to full the deal in the course of the January switch window.

The payment being mentioned is within the area of £12million and the Greek champions are mentioned to be open to a possible settlement underneath these phrases.

Cisse changed Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, who examined optimistic for coronavirus, within the Lions of Teranga's first two Afcon matches in opposition to Zimbabwe and Guinea.

The Senegalese ace helped Sadio Mane and co choose up two clear sheets and one win, which helped them prime Group B and make it by to the Final 16.

He additionally made the staff of the week after gameweek one of many match and was joined by Manchester Metropolis star Riyad Mahrez in addition to former Southampton ace Sofiane Boufal.

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Newcastle are nonetheless in search of a centre-back to spice up their backline amid the continuing relegation scrap.

Nevertheless, Sevilla star Diego Carlos nonetheless seems to be their prime goal, though the Andalusians have reportedly turned down a £25m bid.

Cisse joined Olympiacos from Ajaccio in 2017 and helped restore confidence on the again after Kostas Manolas' exit in 2014.

The towering 6ft, 6in defender has since amassed a complete of 119 appearances throughout all competitions and stood out in Europe in opposition to the likes of AC Milan, Arsenal, Wolves, Metropolis, Porto and Marseille.

Olympiacos have seen a variety of their former gamers having fun with success within the Premier League these previous few years, reminiscent of Kostas Tsimikas, Jose Sa, Daniel Podence and Luka Milivojevic.

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