Debuchy delivers defensive boost for Newcastle

It emerged last night the Magpies have reached an agreement with the Ligue 1 side on a e6 million transfer after failing to land the player despite protracted talks during the summer.

The 27-year-old, a former team-mate of midfielder Yohan Cabaye, has made no secret of his desire to head for Tyneside, and a resolution to the long- running saga would come as a huge  relief to manager Alan Pardew.

Sources in France have indicated that could now happen with the transfer window due to open tomorrow, and that would come as a timely boost for Pardew after a difficult festive  programme.

The 51-year-old saw his team score three times at Manchester United on Boxing Day and on a further three occasions at Arsenal on Saturday, yet leave empty-handed having conceded a total of 11 times.

Newcastle’s lack of depth has been cruelly exposed by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks and they headed for the Emirates Stadium with only one specialist central defender, skipper Fabricio Coloccini, with Steven Taylor on the long-term casualty list and Mike Williamson suspended.

Debuchy’s addition to the squad would put a player of international quality at Pardew’s disposal. He  appeared in all four of his country’s games at the Euro 2012 finals in Poland.