Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 9y

Newcastle's Moussa Sissoko open to Champions League move

Moussa Sissoko has admitted he would love to play in the Champions League as he eyes a summer exit from Newcastle United, but is open to staying in the Premier League to do it.

Sissoko, 25, made the comments on Wednesday shortly before the Magpies appointed former Derby and England manager Steve McClaren. The Tyneside club avoided Premier League relegation on the final day of the season, but Sissoko has ambitions much loftier than mere top-flight survival.

The former Toulouse midfielder has four years left on the lengthy contract he signed when he moved to north-east England, and admitted he must consider his future carefully with a wrong move potentially putting his place in the France squad in jeopardy just 12 months from EURO 2016.

However, Sissoko acknowledged he will most likely need to move on if he is to fulfil his dream of playing in European club football's top competition.

"With a year to go 'til the EURO, you mustn't change clubs and then find yourself on the bench. At the same time, I want to play for one of the biggest clubs," Sissoko told Le Parisien.

"I would notably like to play in the Champions League, which I can't do at Newcastle. One day or another, my time will come. In any case, I see myself staying in England."

The France international midfielder, who was bought by Newcastle for just €2.5 million, revealed last week he was aware of interest from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, and admitted "If I had the chance to play under him one day, I would be very happy."

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