Mathieu Debuchy still keen on Newcastle but expects to stay at Lille in January

Mathieu Debuchy: Still keen on Newcastle move but expects to stay at Lille

Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy is not ruling out a January move to Newcastle if it suits all parties but says it is more likely he will remain at the Ligue 1 club until the end of the season.

Debuchy was heavily linked with a move to St James' Park over the summer but a deal failed to materialise, with the two clubs reportedly unable to agree a fee for the right-back after Lille spurned a €6million offer.

A disappointing run of results this season has left the 2010-11 champions mid-table in Ligue 1, while the club are believed to be in a difficult financial situation.

The France international does not want to abandon his team-mates when they are struggling but admits the prospect of a Newcastle move is still appealing.

He told L'Equipe: "The sport situation is not very good at the club now, but I don't have real desire to leave in January and abandon my team.

"I would like to end the season here, even if things could happen quickly.

"No one at Lille has told me 'you have to leave in January because we have money trouble', but if an offer comes along and it would satisfy everyone..."

"I have not changed my mind in six months about England and Newcastle.

"I asked my agents to only talk about it again if there is something serious."

He added: "It was very difficult last summer so I don't want to start it again.

"We had tensions but I don't want to leave on bad terms.

"At that time, I had several phone calls with the coach and indeed I had a grudge against him. But talking with people at the club, I finally resigned myself (to stay)."

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