Real Madrid ready to FINALLY move for Newcastle's Moussa Sissoko

Sissoko returned to the club yesterday, having been given an extended break following his involvement at Euro 2016 with finalists France.

The 26-year-old, rated in the £35million-bracket by Newcastle, went public with his desire to leave the relegated club after the tournament.

Asked about his price tag, he said: "Newcastle would ask for £35m? For me it changes nothing.

"The interested clubs will know how to find common ground. I hope that it will be as early as possible."

United manager Rafa Benitez has admitted that more players could leave the club – for the right price.

Benitez, initially, wanted to keep Sissoko at St James's Park, but he is now certain to leave in this summer's transfer window.

And his departure could come sooner rather than later.

The Gazette understands there could be movement with Sissoko once Mohamed Diame and Ciaran Clark, both on Tyneside for medicals, finalise their moves from Hull City and Aston Villa respectively.

Real Madrid, however, are yet to lodge a bid for him.

Reports in Spain have suggested that two players from the Bernabeu head to Tyneside as part of any deal.

Sissoko angered United fans last month by congratulating Georginio Wijnaldum on his move AWAY from St James's Park.

Wijnaldum signed for Liverpool in a £25million deal.

Meanwhile, Olympique Marseille are confident of signing Newcastle winger Florian Thauvin, according to L'Equipe.

The club have reportedly offered to take Thauvin, also a target for Lazio, on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy him for more than £9million.