Monaco To Challenge Manchester United For French International's Signature

Monaco may turn their attention to Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye as they continue their summer spending spree.

The 27-year-old threw his future at St James' Park in doubt last week when he admitted he would be open to a move to Manchester United to work under David Moyes.

Neither United or Moyes are yet to respond to the Frenchman's comments, but any interest in the midfielder emanating from Old Trafford could be challenged by the billionaire-backed Monaco, who have already spent over £100m strengthening their side after returning to Ligue 1.

Claudio Ranieri's side appear to be far from finished with their spending however. Monaco's CEO Vadim Vasilyev was quizzed on the possibility of a move for Cabaye by L'Equipe, responding: "Yohan Cabaye? He is an exciting player."

The principality club have also been heavily linked with a move for Eric Abidal, who was released by Barcelona this month. The former French international made his professional debut with the club in 2000, and could be in line for an emotional return.

"Abidal is a strong player. If he could come back to Le Championnat everyone would be delighted," Vasilyev added.

Monaco have already sealed moves for three of the most sought after players in summer, bringing in Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez from Porto for a fee in the excess of £60m and Colombian international Radamel Falcao for the princely sum of £50m.

Cabaye could be the next target, after his comments last week indicated he is unsettled on Tyneside after a disastrous campaign for Newcastle last season.

United are likely to be in the market for a central midfielder this summer following the retirement of Paul Scholes and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Anderson and Darren Fletcher, and Cabaye has indicated he would be more than willing to fill the void.

"I've liked this club for a long time, I like what they do," Cabaye told Canal+, as reported by Sy Sports.

"The boss has left but they have appointed a very good successor and he did some good things we Everton.

"They are always well played among the big clubs. Yes, for sure, it would be an interesting challenge."