Juventus eyeing up cut-price £15million deal for Moussa Sissoko… But Newcastle are holding out for a whopping £35m

JUVENTUS are hoping to force through a cut-price move for Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko before the summer transfer window slams shut.

The Serie A champions are looking to bring the French midfielder to Italy after his string of sublime performances in this summer’s European Championships, where hosts France made the final, losing to Portugal after extra-time.

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However, the transfer fee appears to be a stumbling block – with Juventus willing to only pay £15million of Newcastle‘s £35m valuation.

The Italian side argue that Sissoko, 27, had an average season domestically as the Toon were relegated from the Premier League and is not worth a penny more than £15m.

Meanwhile, the Magpies insist £35m is fair as his efforts at Euro 2016 prove his undoubted class.

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And Toon owner Mike Ashley is set to dig in his heels over the asking price, meaning Sissoko may yet end up playing Championship football, rather than Champions League.

With the future of Sissoko very much up in the air, St James’ Park chief Rafa Benitez has urged the Frenchman to knuckle down and accept his role.

The midfielder was left out of Newcastle’s squad during their 2-0 win over Brighton on Saturday.

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Sissoko has been at the north-east club since 2012, turning out 133 times and scoring just twice.

2016-17 is set to be his first in the second tier of English football after featuring in the Premier League during his first four terms.

Before joining Newcastle, Sissoko spent six seasons at Toulouse, turning out 218 times for the Ligue 1 side and scoring 24 goals.