But Sissoko says he is still waiting for confirmation that he is on his way to the Bernabeu.
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Sissoko has admitted he is hoping to receive a call from Zinedine Zidane: “If Real Madrid are interested in you, then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player”.
However, now the player states: “I hope Real will come for me”. However, Los Blancos lost out to Manchester United for the 23-year-old France and Juventus star amid suggestions that president Florentino Perez was hesitant to pay the world-record transfer.
While he was one of several disappointing performers in that campaign, his stock rose considerably this summer as a result of his fine performances for France at Euro 2016.
And while there is still no firm bid from Real Madrid for his services, Sissoko is still praying they return with an offer soon. I want to play for a big team and a good team. “Things are done. Now it is for me to look further”. For that I need to go somewhere else.
Instead the French midfielder is looking for a move away from Tyneside, and the current Champions League holders are reportedly interested in the player.
His stance has angered the club’s fans, but Sissoko said: “They need to understand, I spent three and a half years here”. That’s why I said I want to leave this year.
Benítez has already reinforced his midfield in anticipation of Sissoko’s departure with the signing of Senegal worldwide Mohamed Diamé from Hull City.
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Several Premier League sides have been linked with a potential move, but La Liga giants Real Madrid seem his likeliest destination with Diario Madridista claiming formal negotiations had been opened last week.
