Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko is flattered by talk of interest from Real Madrid.

The Frenchman was left out of Newcastle's matchday squad for their opening Sky Bet Championship fixture against Fulham on Friday night, fuelling speculation his departure from St James' Park is imminent.

Speaking to L'Equipe, he said: “I hoped that my time would come, and it may have come.

"I feel eligible to go to one of the big teams. It is flattering to arouse the interest of a Spanish club. To reject Real Madrid is difficult. Who would not be flattered to receive interest from one of the best clubs, if not the best. To grow under the orders of Zinedine Zidane could be something fantastic."