Transfer Centre

Mathieu Debuchy doubts January move

By Sam Hughes, Reporter | 22 December 2012

Mathieu Debuchy admits that he is still keen on a move to Newcastle United, but insists that he will not abandon Lille in the January transfer window.

Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy has cast doubt on a January move away from the club.

The 27-year-old was strongly linked with a switch to Newcastle United in the summer, though Lille stood firm and rejected the advances.

The France international has made it clear that he is still interested in a move to the Premier League, but insisted that he does not want to leave on "bad terms".

Speaking to L'Equipe, Debuchy said: "The sport situation is not very good at the club now, but I don't have real desire to leave in January and abandon my team.

"I would like to end the season here, even if things could happen quickly. I have not changed my mind in six months about England and Newcastle.

"I asked my agents to only talk about it again if there is something serious. It was very difficult last summer so I don't want to start it again. We had tensions but I don't want to leave on bad terms."

Debuchy has earned 12 caps for France since making his debut in 2011.