Newcastle United are reportedly keen on offloading Papiss Cisse this summer, but the Senegal international is hoping to remain at St James’ Park and prove himself to his new head coach.
The 30-year-old finished as Newcastle’s top scorer last season, with 11 goals in 22 appearances (11 starts), and boasts the 3rd best minutes per goal ratio in the Premier League (105) – behind Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa.
However, there are serious question marks over Cisse’s temperament after he was banned for a total of 10 games last season, for repeatedly elbowing Seamus Coleman and spitting at Jonny Evans.
Now it seems Newcastle are willing to offload their star striker, provided his new club are willing to match their £10million asking price. Besiktas – who are searching for a replacement for outbound Demba Ba – currently lead the chase for his signature, but whether they will meet the Magpies’ valuation is unclear.
In spite of this speculation, Papiss Cisse insists he intends to remain at St James’ Park and fight for his place in the first-team next season.
“I am at Newcastle and I have one and a half years [left on my] contract,” Cisse told Sky Sports.
“I am a Newcastle striker and I just think about my holiday, when I go back to Newcastle I will try to work hard and try to make the team.
“It’s good for Newcastle because he has been the England manager before. It is good to change something in the team.”
