Moussa Sissoko has been linked with a move away from Newcastle over the past couple of windows, citing his desire to play in Europe’s premier competition – the UEFA Champions League.

However, his current club have stated their own ambition – to challenge the top six after a period of insecurity and turmoil. The fantastic Frenchman should be key to such plans.

The rampaging runner arrived in the North East from Ligue 1 side Toulouse in a £1.5m deal back in January 2013, and has been a key component of the side under Alan Pardew, John Carver and now Steve McClaren.

Currently deployed as a winger, he is a powerful runner with and without the ball, able to fly up and down the pitch. He blends such frightening pace with a physical presence not to be toyed with, able to win back possession and help out defensively.

The 27-year old revealed that Jose Mourinho would ‘love’ to sign him, and it’s easy to see why. The Portuguese demands hard work from his attacking players, and Sissoko provides it in abundance.

But a new dawn seems to be rising at St. James’ Park. The club are in the bottom two of the Premier League, but even a slow start to the season feels like progress. Almost £50m has been ploughed into player recruitment over the summer, and the new additions have looked exciting.

To sell Sissoko would be a step back in the plan. The club do not need to sell, and are rumoured to be offering a substantial improvement on his current £35k-per-week deal.

This summer, we have seen a seismic shift in transfer sagas. Where usually the big boys would have secured the likes of John Stones, Saido Berahino and Victor Wanyama, there is now hope for sides to keep a hold of their best players.

With the Frenchman in the side, the Magpies can soar. During his time in black and white, he popped up with important goals. The ice cool finish against Manchester City in the league cup stands out, but his header against West Ham to set the Toon Army on their way to ensuring Premier League survival will live long in Tyneside folklore.

His powerful prowess can bamboozle defences, leaving opposition full-backs in his wake. With Florian Thauvin on the opposite flank, the Geordies are likely to see the Les Blues pair dash up and down the touchline on many occasions.

If Newcastle are serious about challenging the upper echelons of the Premier League, keeping magic Moussa is their first serious test. Unless a ridiculous bid is received, the North East giants absolutely have to keep him at the club.

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