Sissosko joins French troops at Toon

Moussa Sissoko is confident he and his French compatriots can help Newcastle to establish themselves among English football's elite.

NEW HOMES

Catch all the movers and shakers from this winter's transfer window.

The 23-year-old midfielder became the fifth Frenchman to sign for the Magpies this month as he followed Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Yoan Gouffran and Massadio Haidara to St James' Park on Friday night.

Sissoko signed a six-and-a-half-year contract after Newcastle beat off competition from a series of other suitors to land him as they attempt to drag themselves out of relegation trouble.

The former Toulouse player said: "My personal objectives really are to finish off this season as best as we possibly can. I am going to give everything I can so Newcastle finish as high up the league as possible.

"For the future, I want Newcastle to be one of the very best teams in the Premier League. That's my wish and the club's also.

"I have signed here because I love the cub. They have some fantastic players.

"Newcastle aren't in the position where they should be at the moment, but I think if we all do well, we will finish as high as possible and really make the team one of the best in England."

The Magpies will hope to take a significant step towards safety on Tuesday evening when they head for fellow strugglers Aston Villa.

And the newcomers already know how important that game will be.

Sissoko said: "Tuesday night will be a difficult night. Aston Villa are also in a pretty poor position at the moment in the league.

"It's a match which we certainly can't afford to lose. We must make sure we are motivated for Tuesday night so we come away with a result."