Moussa Sissoko is eager to play for Newcastle United this weekend if he fails to seal a transfer away from the club.

The French midfielder was being heavily linked with Real Madrid but the Spanish giants are now believed to have withdrawn themselves from the race.

The Daily Mirror is suggesting that Sissoko wants to start for Rafa Benitez in the Magpies' first Championship home game of the season against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

However, conflicting reports indicate that the 26-year-old has been forced to train by himself after repeatedly telling Newcastle he wants out following their relegation from the Premier League.

Sissoko did not make Benitez's match-day squad for the season opener against Fulham on the weekend and confirmed to French media that he was training alone in a bid to keep himself fit for a possible transfer to Real.

"I resumed training on Monday," he said.

"I am preparing with my own coach. I joined the squad slowly, hoping the transfer will be soon. But I am not going to sign without thinking. With everything, I take time to think.

"Real Madrid are a very big club, but you have to think and have no regrets,' he added.

"I still hope to have the chance to join a more exclusive club. Now we are negotiating with Newcastle.

"My agent has had discussions with the club. They are open to a departure. We are in discussions. We'll see what happens."

But reports are suggesting that Madrid have gone cold on Sissoko, leaving the former Toulouse star in limbo.

The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace have also been linked with Sissoko in recent times.