:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18169839/146935920.0.jpg)
The first day of the Premier League for Newcastle United was interrupted hours before their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, when Arsenal decided to play a low-ball transfer bid for midfielder Yohan Cabaye. The bid was quickly rejected by Mike Ashley, as it was well below what the Toon value Cabaye at, and sent Alan Pardew into a bit of a fury, not even making Cabaye available for the match that day.
Reports now surface that the Newcastle brass are in France meeting with Cabaye's representatives and are prepared to entertain legitimate offers for the French midfielder, as it's reported he is keen on moving to a club who is playing Champions League football, which Arsenal could be if they win on Monday.
It's believed Newcastle won't accept any bid less than £20 million for Cabaye, and if he's sold would reinvest that money into the squad.
The trip to France isn't just for Cabaye, Sky Sports reports, as the Toon apparently have renewed their interest in Bafetimbi Gomis and attacking midfielder Florian Thauvin from Lille, who's said to want a move during this window to get playing time.
The clock is quickly ticking on Joe Kinnear to add to the squad, because if they only moves are Loic Remy in and Cabaye out, it's a loss overall.