Newcastle are expected to attempt to complete the signing of Mathieu Debuchy this week and Yohan Cabaye hopes the deal happens.
French star keen for compatriot to move to St James' Park
Newcastle United are expected to attempt to complete the signing of Mathieu Debuchy this week and Yohan Cabaye hopes the club's hierarchy can finalise the deal.
The Premier League outfit have been chasing the France full-back for the majority of the summer as Alan Pardew seeks to strengthen the right side of his defence.
And Cabaye is optimistic Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias can complete a deal for his team-mate from Euro 2012, and good friend from their time together at Lille.
"Mathieu has made a very difficult to decision to leave Lille but he has made the decision," Cabaye told
The Journal while on Newcastle's pre-season tour in Portugal.
"Now I hope Newcastle push for Mathieu and I want them to do the deal.
"I spoke with him two days ago and he told me he wants to come. I hope Derek (Llambias) and Mike Ashley will do the business now.
Fitness
"He wants to play for Newcastle and I hope that he comes to Newcastle because, of course, he is my friend but also a very good player for Newcastle."
Newcastle defeated Braga over the weekend as Pardew's men continued preparations for the new season, when they will seek to improve on 2011/12's impressive fifth-placed finish.
And Cabaye is pleased with the pre-season progress: "It is very nice to be back with Newcastle. I have had four weeks of holidays but now I am glad to be back.
"I am delighted to be back to build my fitness for the start of the Premier League season because it is going to be an exciting season for us.
"It was tough against Braga for the first five minutes because it is a long time to be away but after that it felt good and I felt like I was ready.
"I am looking forward to the next few weeks now."
