Lille reject fresh Newcastle bid for Debuchy

Aug 2, 2012 5:50:00 PM

Alan Pardew's side have been met with frustration yet again in their attempts to capture the France right-back this summer as the Ligue 1 side declare that he will stay

By Chris Myson

Newcastle have failed in a fresh approach to Lille and they now finally look to be faltering in their pursuit of defender Mathieu Debuchy.

Alan Pardew's side have been chasing the right-back throughout the summer, since before the start of Euro 2012, but have only been met by frustration in their attempts to sign the 27-year-old.

Lille are holding out for a fee of around €8 million [£6.3m] for the France international and are reluctant to settle for any less after seeing the success of Yohan Cabaye since he moved to Sports Direct Arena for a bargain £4.4m last year.

The asking price is far higher than Newcastle's initial bid but the English outfit, who finished fifth in last season's Premier League, came back in with an improved offer on Thursday.

However, that approach has also been unsuccessful, with Lille President Michel Seydoux telling L'Equipe that he has "decided that Mathieu Debuchy will remain at LOSC".

"The offer from Newcastle is definitely not at the value of the player. For Mathieu Debuchy to leave, it would have taken the offer to be consistent and commensurate with his replacement.

"As the conditions are not met, it is my duty to make a decision."

Debuchy, who has played for Lille throughout his nine-year senior career, has spoken of his frustration at being left in limbo this summer and made it clear he would like to make the move for England.

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Cabaye has also called for a swift resolution to talks, saying he thinks the defender would make a very good addition to the Magpies’ ranks ahead of the new campaign.

Newcastle have made three signings in the summer transfer window so far, with Roman Amalfitano, Gael Bigirimana and Curtis Good being added to the squad.

However, Pardew is yet to seal one of his main three targets; Debuchy, Liverpool striker Andy Carroll or Douglas of FC Twente and is growing anxious as the new Premier League season draws closer.

Newcastle are also aware of the need for a bigger squad following their qualification to the Europa League after their successful campaign last time around but the saga over the full-back does not look like it is going to reach a positive conclusion.

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