Yohan Cabaye is keen for France international teammate Mathieu Debuchy to join him at Newcastle United.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew has been chasing the 26-year-old, who has announced his intention to leave Lille, throughout the summer as he looks to strengthen the right side of his defence.
Cabaye, who also played with Debuchy during his time at the Ligue 1 club, has urged the Newcastle hierarchy to back Pardew's judgement and seal a deal for the player.
"Mathieu has made a very difficult to decision to leave Lille but he has made the decision," Cabaye told The Journal.
"I hope Newcastle push for Mathieu and I want them to do the deal. I spoke with him two days ago and he told me he wants to come. I hope Derek [Llambias] and Mike Ashley will do the business now.
"He wants to play for Newcastle and I hope that he comes to Newcastle because, of course, he is my friend but also a very good player for Newcastle."
Debuchy was France's first-choice right back in their run to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.
Joe Fish
