Newcastle United Targeting David Simao If Cabaye Leaves

Even though Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye insists he is focused on Newcastle United’s opening game against Manchester City next month, the Magpies have reasons to fear losing him this summer. Some media reports suggest that manager Alan Pardew has identified F.C. Arouca player David Simao as a replacement for Cabaye, if he decides to leave.

The 23-year-old midfielder from FC Arouca started his youth career at S.L. Benfica and made his professional debut with C.D. Fatima, on loan. His first goal came in a draw game against Gil Vicente FC. The youngster made another loan move to F.C. Paços de Ferreira in June 2010.


Simao returned to his boyhood club Benfica for the season 2011-12 but manager Jorge Jesus farmed him out to Académica de Coimbra in January 2012 and to C.S. Maritimo in July. However, the French international ended his contract with Benfica the following year to join Arouca on a three-year deal.


Cabaye is reportedly flattered by interest shown in him by clubs like Manchester United, and French giants Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. But he has been avoiding talks about an imminent exit from the club.