Newcastle United are pushing to close a deal for Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

Newcastle have received encouragement from the player, who has indicated his interest in heading for St James' Park.

Sissoko told L'Equipe: "This is a club that attracts me. I have confidence in his group [of players] over what they did last season.

"In addition, the leaders have invested a lot in quality French players. They will rise in the second half of the season.

"All these French [players], it is reassuring. I know them well and it will facilitate my integration "