Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew admits he's thrilled to count on Moussa Sissoko.

Pardew believes selling Demba Ba to Chelsea to fund Sissoko's arrival was great business.

"The key point is that I've always wanted a No 10 here. I've always felt we lacked what I would call a natural, modern-day No 10," he declared.

"Moussa has given us that since joining us from Toulouse. Whereas Demba was an out-and-out striker with Papiss [Cisse] and it didn't quite work, I think the fans are excited that it looks like Moussa and Papiss, or Moussa and Shola [Ameobi], work well.

"Moussa has added to us. I was desperate to bring him to this club - it was a no-brainer for me. He hasn't proved me wrong - and I don't think he will. I don't think this is just a great start. I think he's a top player and he'll take that forward for the rest of his career here hopefully."