Mathieu Debuchy confirms desire to leave Lille

Mathieu Debuchy has confirmed that he will leave Lille this summer as a move to Newcastle United continues to edge closer.

Newcastle and Inter Milan have chased Debuchy for much of the close season, and the 26-year-old is now believed to have chosen England as his preferred destination.

The French international told L'Equipe: "I have decided 100 percent, I want to leave Lille."

Debuchy displayed his quality at Euro 2012, as the right-back was one of the few Les Blues players to emerge from the tournament with credit.

Toon boss Alan Pardew is desperate to sign Debuchy and will hope to complete the deal in the next fortnight.