Yohan Cabaye is close to a agreeing a move to Premier League side Crystal Palace, as the Frenchman wants to link up with former boss, Alan Pardew.
Pardew was responsible for bringing Cabaye, 29, to St. James Park in 2011, following a £4.4 million move to Tyneside – where he made 79 appearances, scoring 17 goals in the process.
The 38 capped French international then ‘refused’ to play for the Magpies, before forcing a move to Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint Germain.
Following his move to the French capital, Cabaye was unable to hold down a regular starting role, after crossing the English Channel in a £17.5 million move.
Available for a cut-price free, Cabaye is now expected to link up with Pardew next week, in time for pre-season training.
Southampton and Everton however are also said to be interested in the French midfielder, and with the opportunity of playing in Europe with the Saints, Palace will have a fight on their hands to capture what would be a phenomenal signing.
Where would Cabaye fit in?
With Mike Jedinak, James McArthur and Joe Ledley the main central midfielder’s in the current Palace squad, the Eagles are in desperate need of some real quality if they are to progress.
Following his move from Wigan in 2013, McArthur, 27, is expected to extend his stay at Selhurst Park until 2019, meaning the Scottish international is likely to play a huge part of Pardew’s plans, in what will be his first full season at the club.
Despite Jedinak, 30, being the club captain, he’s the weakest of the three aforementioned players. Therefore, it’s likely that Pardew would be a midfield three of Cabaye, McArthur and Ledley, should the deal go through.
Who else are the Eagles targeting?
Reports in France are also suggesting that a deal has been agreed for Marseille to sign Lille’s Idrissa Gueye however, that move has stalled with the Senegalese international favouring the Premier League. Southampton and West Ham are also said to be after the 25-year old.
Pardew is also looking for a striker, with QPR’s Charlie Austin high on his wish list, however, the 25-year old forward has also attracted interest from West Brom.