Newcastle will entertain bids for £35m Real Madrid target Moussa Sissoko... but we don't need to sell, warns Rafael Benitez
- Real Madrid, Juventus and Everton are interested in Moussa Sissoko
- France midfielder is valued at £35m after starring in Euro 2016 final
- Rafa Benitez insists Championship club do not have to sell their stars
Newcastle are prepared to listen to offers for in-demand midfielder Moussa Sissoko but the relegated club are under no pressure to sell, insists manager Rafa Benitez.
The Championship favourites have slapped a £35million price tag on the France international following his starring displays in reaching the European Championship final - where the tournament hosts eventually lost to Portugal on penalties.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Everton have all expressed an interest in the combative midfielder who arrived at St James' Park for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £1.5m in 2013.
Newcastle have slapped a £35m price tag on Moussa Sissoko (right) after his starring displays at Euro 2016
Toon boss Rafa Benitez insists the relegated club are under no pressure to sell their prized assets
The 26-year-old was granted an extended break to recover from his exertions at Euro 2016, but is expected to return to training on August 1 - although Benitez admits he could be allowed to leave but only for the 'right offer'.
It's a similar ploy used by the club over Georginio Wijnaldum, who eventually left for Anfield after Liverpool met his £25million valuation.
When asked is Sissoko would be following the Dutchman, Benitez told the Newcastle Chronicle:
'We have a good squad and a lot of speculation and we can't control that. We must continue doing our jobs.
'And if somebody comes with the right offer we have to listen but it does not mean we have to sell.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Everton are among the clubs interested in the France midfielder
Newcastle played similar hardball with Georginio Wijnaldum before Liverpool met their £25m asking price
'We will try to keep a strong squad with the same ideas.Some players may be waiting for a big offer from a top side in the Premier League or in Europe. But if they have to stay then they have to stay, that's it.
'We will be disappointed but it's only because we are in the Championship.'
The Magpies are also expected to make two new signings - with Fulham striker Ross McCormack against being linked with a move.
'We are working and trying to improve the squad. It's not easy now and the market is quite crazy. There are crazy prices everywhere but we will try to do our best,' added Benitez.
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