Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko flattered by Real Madrid links

Alison Bender looks at whether or not allowing Moussa Sissoko to leave St. James' Park would be the best move for Newcastle United.

Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has said talks are taking place over a transfer and he would welcome the chance to join Real Madrid.
Sissoko, 26, has already confirmed he is keen to leave Newcastle following their relegation to the Championship, and has been linked with a number of top clubs after impressing for France at Euro 2016.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez said before his side's 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Friday that he hoped Sissoko would stay.
Benitez said there were no official offers on the table, but the midfielder told Foot Mercato there had been contact with "a lot" of interested clubs.
He said: "Some clubs have come in. They have had discussions with the club, with my agent. We will see what happens. I hope it will lead to something good."
He said he was "flattered" at links with Real Madrid and added: "Who would not be? Real Madrid is one of the best clubs in the world.
"For now, I am still a Newcastle player. I wait and, if it's Real Madrid, so much the better."
Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with a move for Sissoko, who described the Bundesliga side as "a very big club that is growing year by year."
He said Benitez had told him he would not stand in his way "if I have the opportunity to play for a great club."
And he added: "I think the Premier League is the league that is closest to my game -- but it is not 100 percent certain that I will stay in the Premier League.
"We will see. I will weigh the pros and cons, then make my choice."