Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is expecting January interest in midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Sissoko
returns from suspension for Newcastle's hosting of Chelsea in the early
kick-off on Saturday, after being sent-off in their 1-0 loss at West
Ham.
The France international extended Newcastle's winning streak to six
matches - in all competitions - the week prior with the winner against
Queens Park Rangers, before turning villain in the loss at Upton Park.
Sissoko is well-known to upcoming opponents Chelsea, having scored a
stunning brace on his home debut for Newcastle against the Londoners in
February 2013 - to see Pardew's men come from behind and post a 3-2 win.
And the former Southampton boss said he would not be surprised if
Sissoko was pursued by, or sold to, a powerhouse club in the transfer
window.
"We have not had contact from anybody else or heard from anybody
else, but I take the point [he could be a target]," Pardew said, as
reported by the Daily Mail.
"He is playing for a club where big clubs have come before and taken
players away. I understand that so therefore, I guess, he is a player
they will be looking at.
"That's all I can say because he has been terrific for us."
Sissoko, who has seven Premier League goals to his name, has improved
since his blistering arrival on the St James' Park arena, according to
Pardew.
"He is only a young player, 25, and he has already got 27 national
caps for France. This is a guy who could win 50, 60 or 70 caps for
France," added Pardew.
"He is a powerful player and he is better player now than he was back then.
"Don't get me wrong, he had a great day then [on his home debut] but
he is better now and that is because he has more experience and a better
knowledge of the Premier League.
"He has technically improved, without a doubt."
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