Sissoko plays down exit talk

Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has revealed he is happy to stay at St. James’ Park amid reports linking him with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Sissoko, 25, joined Newcastle from Toulouse for an undisclosed fee in January 2013, and has gone on to become one of the most dynamic midfielders in the English Premier League.

The France international dubbed Arsenal the the club of his “heart” earlier this month, but has now insisted he sees himself on Tyneside.

“My goal was to come to England because it was the championship that best matched my game and I do not think I am wrong.

“So I want to stay here and grow at one of the biggest clubs in England. I have a preference for the Premier League and I see myself staying here.

“I am focused on Newcastle. I have a four-and-a-half year contract so in my head I still tell myself I am still here for four years and a half. They appreciate me here and everything is good.”

“I am not saying that I absolutely want to go or not. If it happens, it happens. I am at Newcastle and I will continue to work until one day I have the chance to play at a very big club.

“Nobody has called me. My agent and I have not spoken to anyone.

“PSG is one of the best clubs in Europe. If I’m lucky they are interested with me. These are difficult things to refuse. I cannot say yes or no but it is an interest I would take into consideration.”

Sissoko has tallied two goals and one assist in 20 Premier League appearances for the Toffees this season.

Roma sign Yanga-Mbiwa

A.S. Roma have completed the permanent signing of defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa from Newcastle United.

Yanga-Mbiwa, 25, joined the Giallorossi on loan from Newcastle last September after failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at St James’ Park.

Howver, the 25-year-old has now completed a £5.5 million permanent move to the Stadio Olimpico.

A statement on nufc.co.uk read: “Newcastle United defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has completed a transfer to AS Roma after meeting a contractual condition contained in the loan agreement between the clubs.

“The French defender joined Roma on a loan deal in September 2014 but it has now become a permanent move.”

 Yanga-Mbiwa, formerly of Montpellier HSC, has tallied one assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, including Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, for Roma in 2014/15.