Newcastle interest in Meite wanes

Newcastle interest in Meite wanes

Meite has fallen out of favour with OM's coach
Olympique Marseille claim Newcastle's interest in defender Abdoulaye Meite could be cooled by his participation in the African Nations Cup.
Ivory Coast international Meite, 25, has been linked with Newcastle and OM president Pape Diouf said: "We're waiting for them to get back to us."

But Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has discounted Meite as a target.

Souness said: "We need someone who understands the English game and preferably has played here already."

Meite has made only 10 appearances for OM this season after falling out of favour with coach Jean Fernandez.

We need somebody who can make an instant impression

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness
Lachor close to Newcastle switch

Marseille president Diouf insisted: "Newcastle are interested but they have reservations because of his participation in the cup."

A defender is on Souness's transfer window shopping list to boost his injury-ridden squad.

But Souness says he cannot afford to sign a defender who would need time to adjust to the pace of the Premiership.

Souness said: "He has played at a high standard and he's an international player.

"But I just think bringing in a foreign defender the way football is different in our country, there would need to be a period of adjustment.

"I don't think we have that luxury and I don't think we can be giving anybody time, we need somebody who can make an instant impression."