Reading winger Jimmy Kebe has poked fun at Newcastle's policy of recruiting mainly French-speaking players, jokingly claiming that he was on the verge of making a move to St. James' Park.
Kebe tweeted on Thursday: "On my way to Newcastle, having medical then sign a 4 years contract. Thank you all for your support you've been outstanding !!!!"
However, the Mali midfielder then went on to explain that is was just a hoax, and has no plans to leave the Royals.
"Oups i thought if you're french and play football u just pop in to Newcastle and sign a contract. Not a chance of leaving #LoveReadingFc#"
The Magpies have signed Mathieu Debuchy, Yoan Gouffran, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara from Ligue 1 already this January, with Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko also possibly on his way.
However, Kebe's joke was not well received by his Reading team-mate Danny Guthrie, who used to play for Newcastle.
"Just read @jkebe tweet and s**t myself!! Don't do that again," Guthrie tweeted.
Reading winger Jimmy Kebe claims fake Newcastle transfer
