Former Newcastle United ‘marmite’ figure linked with shock Championship return - too old?

Former Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko is in talks with Watford over a possible sensational return.

Now aged 34, Sissoko first arrived in England 11 years ago when Alan Pardew brought him to Tyneside as part of his French pick-and-mix. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Yoan Gouffran, Mathieu Debuchy and Massadio Haidara all joined that January to help steer the Magpies towards survival.

Sissoko was a marmite figure throughout his three-and-a-half years at St James’ Park. A memorable home debut saw the Frenchman famously rinse Ashley Cole and bag a brace in a 3-2 win.

Other eye-catching moments for Newcastle include the opener against West Ham United on the final day of the 2014-15 campaign, a screamer versus West Bromwich Albion and a brace in a 4-1 victory over Hull City. However, that was as good as it got for Sissoko, who earned 71 caps for his national team and played in two major tournaments.

The 6ft 2in powerhouse’s time at Newcastle was blighted by inconsistencies and he moved on following relegation in 2016. Tottenham Hotspur snapped him up for £30million - helping the Magpies bankroll their promotion charge.

Sissoko went on to appear in the Champions League final before joining Watford - where he was also relegated - and Lens. He is set to leave the Ligue 1 club once his contract expires and The Athletic claim Watford have approached him about a potential return.

Former Hornets teammate Tom Cleverley has been in charge since March and hopes to bring him back to Vicarage Road. Celtic have also reportedly enquired about signing the ex-Toon midfielder.