North-East transfer gossip: Wednesday, June 25

The Magpies remain in the market for a couple of strikers and a midfielder, but they could face a fight to keep one of their World Cup stars.

France right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who has played both Les Blues’ Group wins over Honduras and Switzerland, is understood to be a target of several clubs abroad.

Paris St Germain, who signed Debuchy’s best friend, Yohan Cabaye, in January, have been linked with the right back, while Roma and Bayern Munich are also interested.

The 28-year-old’s future has been the subject of speculation ever since Cabaye returned to France and speaking ahead of France’s final group game against Ecuador, Debuchy poured more uncertainty over his Tyneside stay.

He said: “I have discovered English charm, Newcastle and their extraordinary fans. It’s really incredible to play in that atmosphere.

“Having said that, I miss European football and the Champions League in particular.

“For the moment, I’m concentrating on the World Cup, and we’ll see about the rest afterwards.”

Transfer likelihood rating: 5/10

SUNDERLAND

IN one of the most surprising transfer stories of the summer, Sunderland defender John O’Shea has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

There’s no need for Black Cats supporters to worry, though, as the man himself has said there is no chance he will be leaving the Stadium of Light.

Speaking to the Irish media, O’Shea said: “It was news to myself. That’s the way it goes at this time of the year, there is lots of stuff rumoured about players coming and going.

“It’s just one of those things. It’s just total speculation.

“I’m in the game long enough to know that and I’m more than happy with Sunderland.”

Transfer likelihood rating: 0/10

There have also been reports linking Gus Poyet with a loan move for Chelsea centre back Kurt Zouma.

The Blues signed the highly-rated 21-year-old in January, but with John Terry and Gary Cahill still Jose Mourinho’s first choice pair, Zouma could be sent out on loan to gain valuable first team experience.

Sunderland hope they can complete a deal because of sporting director Lee Congerton’s contacts at Stamford Bridge.

Congerton is a former youth coach at Chelsea and also worked as a scout until he followed Frank Arnesen to Hamburg before linking up with the Black Cats in March of this year.

Transfer likelihood rating: 3/10

Finally, not transfer related, but Jurgen Klinsmann has indicated Jozy Altidore could still feature at the World Cup – should the USA progress to the knock-out stages.

Sunderland have been waiting for news on the striker’s hamstring injury, but while it has been confirmed he will miss their final group game against Germany, head coach Klinsmann revealed he could be back should they get through to the last 16.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Boro return to pre-season training next week, which should see the transfer floodgates thrash open at the Riverside - hopefully.

As The Northern Echo has reported throughout the summer, Boro are waiting to see how much they can recoup from the transfers of Lukas Jutkiewicz and Marvin Emnes before making their own moves in the market.

While everything is still quiet on the Boro front, the date of their Capital One Cup first round tie with Oldham Athletic has been confirmed.

Aitor Karanka’s men will travel to Boundary Park on August 12 just three days after their Championship opener with Birmingham at the Riverside.

Tickets are priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. There is also a ticket offer which allows adults attending the game to purchase up to five children’s tickets for just £1 each.

HARTLEPOOL

Pools have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates.

The highly-rated 27-year-old spent a short spell training with Pools at the start of last season following his release from Bristol City, but manager Colin Cooper was unable to make an offer for the defender and he joined League One side Bradford City.

However, Cooper has kept tabs on the former England Youth international and has been in negotiations to bring him back to the region since his Bantams release at the end of last term.