Newcastle United will soon wrap up the £7 million signing of Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga.

The People says Newcastle will have to wave him an immediate goodbye as Mali are involved in the African Cup of Nations.

Toon boss Alan Pardew is already concerned about the losses of two key players in his Senegal striker Demba Ba and Ivory Coast midfielder Cheik Tiote for around a month.

But Pardew has told the Newcastle hierarchy he still wants to push ahead with the signing of Maiga from Sochaux as soon as the transfer window opens.