Newcastle target unlikely to make St James’ Park move in January.
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Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy says he was disappointed not to join Newcastle this summer but does not expect to move to the Premier League in January.
Toon boss Alan Pardew made the 26-year-old France international his top target at the end of last season, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also been linked with the right-back.
Pardew was left frustrated by Lille’s refusal to lower their £12m asking price, which was cranked up following Debuchy’s strong showing for Les Bleus at Euro 2012.
European Champions Chelsea were also understood to be interested in Debuchy but the Frenchman had his heart set on St James’ Park, following talks with former Lille teammate and fellow France international Yohan Cabaye.
Newcastle were expected to return with January a bid for Debuchy but the attacking full-back has admitted that he does not expect to leave the Stade Metropole in the immediate future.
“The President [Michel Seydou] did not want me to go to Newcastle but yes, I was disappointed,” Debuchy told L’Equipe.
“I hope there will be other opportunities but that episode is past now and I’m 200 per cent committed to Lille.”
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