Alan Pardew’s conundrum – to go French or Dutch!

As Alan Pardew looks to bring in a replacement for Jose Enrique to Newcastle, he has been scouting around for potential signings. Ryan Taylor deputised against Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League opener, putting in an admirable shift, but Pardew wants a specialist. It appears that he’s narrowed the shortlist down to two men and he has the decision as to whether to stick with his policy of buying French players or to go Dutch instead.

Newcastle are reportedly set to increase their bid for PSV left back Erik Pieters as they strive to replace Enrique. His interest in the defender was revealed last week and is now preparing a new bid to bring him to Tyneside. With the North East derby against Sunderland fast approaching, Pardew is set to raise his offer for the Dutchman to £7 million. He wants the 23-year-old in place before the game at the Stadium of Light and is set to use the £5.5 million raised from the Enrique deal to make that a reality.

PSV are struggling financially and are prepared to reluctantly sell the left back in an order to boost the coffers. Pieters is keen to move to the North East and is exactly the type of player Newcastle are looking for to replace Enrique. He certainly holds more experience than the Spaniard with 10 caps for Holland and extensive Champions League experience along with his age and potential resale value fitting into the structure at St James’ Park.

However, another man on Pardew’s radar is Aly Cissokho. Cissokho could be the next French player to join Newcastle after the club reportedly made a move for the defender the Sun reports. The Lyon star had been linked with a move to Liverpool until they signed Enrique and he could end up replacing the Spaniard at St James’ Park. A £7 million bid has been rejected, with the Ligue 1 club telling Newcastle they must increase their offer for one of the best young players in France.

Cissokho has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League and it’s been reported that he has put a transfer request in to force through the switch. If Cissokho did move to Tyneside he certainly wouldn’t feel out of place in the dressing room. Pardew has already signed four French players this summer with Sylvain Marveaux, Yohan Cabaye, Gabriel Obertan and Mehdi Abeid all moving to St James’ Park.

So, should Newcastle continue the French Revolution on Tyneside or go Dutch instead?

Written by Jak Penny

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