The imminent transfer of French International Mapou Yanga Mbiwa is not sitting well with Montpellier president Louis Nicollin.
Is this a case of sour grapes at losing a true footballing talent, or just another overhyped import Newcastle United could do without in their fight to stave off relegation.
There has been a constant rumour that Arsenal have been set to swoop in and hijack the Magpies attempts to sign Mbiwa, which have yet to materialise and this could be another French coup for Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias.
The centre-back was at the heart of a title winning campaign last season for Montpellier in Ligue 1 and with France international caps to his name the £6.7 million fee looks to be an astute investment for the future.
Mike Williamson’s lacklustre performances of late, the uncertainty shrouding Fabricio Coloccini and the fact that Steven Taylor breaks easier than glass makes this move that the fans favours.
This transfer though does come with a warning sign. The player has signalled his intention for a long time to play for one of Europe’s elite clubs and appears to have no shame in using Newcastle as his stepping stone to achieving that.
Despite this it seems as if this could be a transfer to savour at St James’s Park. If you remain unconvinced check out the YouTube video below: