Newcastle target Modibo Maiga in hot water

Newcastle's approach for Modibo Maiga has landed the player in hot water with his club Sochaux, as the player looks for a move to the Premier League.

Maiga said recently: “They did not propose anything to me before the offer from Newcastle covering five years. I have a family counting on me.

“I do not want to quarrel with Sochaux. I will respect my contract. I’m ready to play and I will be 100percent but it is necessary that the President discusses my transfer.”

The player did not show up for training yesterday in the wake of his demand for a move to Newcastle.

A statement from Sochaux read: FC Sochaux-Montbéliard recorded in amazement the boycott by one of its players of the game against Ligue 1 side Stade Malherbe Caen and absence without leave of the same player from the training session scheduled on Sunday 14 August 2011. The club condemns this unacceptable behaviour from a player which is contractually bound after signing in the summer of 2010 for a period of four years (until June 2014). FCSM consider that this behaviour is totally disrespectful to the club, his teammates and his fans. It will not be without consequence or punishment.