Modibo Maiga’s proposed transfer from Sochaux to Newcastle United has been called off.

 

The Magpies had agreed a fee with Sochaux for the Mali international and were determined to push through a deal for the man they narrowly missed out on last summer.

 

The 24-year-old had remained keen to join Alan Pardew’s side and had long been pinpointed as being able to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options.

 

Indeed, Maiga was due to sign a five-and-a-half year contract at St. James’ Park on 22nd December and had recently been undergoing a series of medical tests at the hands of Newcastle’s doctors.

 

And it is due to these results that the Premier League side’s swoop for the forward has been abandoned.

 

It is news which has not been well received by the player’s agent, who is sure Maiga is in tip-top condition.

 

"I am disappointed at this turn of events", Maiga’s agent Karim Aklil told L’Equipe.

 

"Modibo is in perfect physical condition, which has been confirmed by one of the leading experts in the field.

 

"I am quite surprised about this turn of events, the medical was too light for my tastes and I am surprised at the results produced by the club’s doctors."

 

Aklil is backing Maiga to bounce back from the disappointment however, a disappointment which will also see Newcastle back to square one in their quest for a January striking arrival.

 

"I am convinced that the future will see Modibo prove his class", said Aklil, "and he remains one of the best strikers in Ligue 1."

 

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