Rafa Benitez ready to fight to keep Moussa Sissoko

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has told Euro 2016 star Moussa Sissoko he does not want to lose him as he plots a path back to the Premier League.

Benitez has been keen since accepting the challenge of leading the Magpies out of the Championship to keep the man he appointed captain on board despite the 26-year-old France international’s repeated calls to be allowed to leave the club.

Interest has grown in Sissoko as a result of his performance for his country, which saw them miss out on glory after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Portugal in Sunday night’s final, prompting Newcastle to attempt to ward off potential suitors with a £35m (€42m) price tag.