Paris Saint Germain chairman admits Yohan Cabaye deal is not complete

Paris Saint Germain chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi has confirmed that the club are in talks over the transfer of Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, but stressed that the deal – believed to be in the region of £20 million – is not complete. He also dismissed suggestions that senior players at the club believe that Cabaye is not good enough to play for them, telling L’Equipethat “the players are there to play,” before admitting that Cabaye’s nationality is part of the reason that the club are signing him.

“It is not done,” he opened.

“There are discussions, that’s true, but it is not finished.”

When quizzed on what Cabaye would bring to the club, Al Khelaifi continued:

“One, he is a very good player and very interesting to us.

“Two – I have never met him but I was told he is a nice guy.

“Three – he is French and it is very important for us at PSG to recruit French players to bring into the French championship.”

Al Khelaifi continued by rebuffing suggestions that senior players at the club have expressed doubts over signing Cabaye.

“The players are there to play,” he said.

“There are major players like captain Thiago Silva or Ibra, who may have their feelings about this or that player, but they are completely in line with the club’s point of view.”

“Of course, they want the best players in the world to come to Paris. But Cabaye is a very good player, no doubt about it.”

Cabaye has the highest Squawka Performance Score of any Newcastle player this season.