Cabaye rubbishes Manchester talk

Newcastle United’s Yohan Cabaye has dismissed interest from Manchester United after his blistering start to the Premier League season.

The midfielder moved to St James’ Park in the summer from Lille – who he captained to Ligue 1 success last season – for an undisclosed fee estimated to be just under five million pounds.

The Magpies sit third in the table after 11 games behind Manchester City and United, and reports suggest the 25-year-old’s form has attracted the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the Frenchman told The Journal: “I heard about United’s interest in me, but things are only just beginning.”

“I have a bit of experience of clubs following me, so I would rather not get carried away by thinking too much about such things.”

“I simply want to concentrate on my objectives with Newcastle – and playing for Newcastle.”

Cabaye is becoming a more integral part of his national side and has racked up eight appearances since his debut last year.

Rumours suggest that current boss of the French team, Laurent Blanc, a former Red Devils defender, has alerted Ferguson to the midfielder’s quality.

The north east side are unbeaten in the Premier League, and have won five of their last six top-flight matches.

Newcastle’s next three matches – against Manchester City away, Manchester United away and then Chelsea at home – could bring them back down to earth.

Cabaye is pleased with the club’s impressive defensive record this campaign but believes the side will find out how good they are after this testing run of fixtures.

“We got off to a good start with the draw against Arsenal and winning the derby away against Sunderland,” he added.

“The fact we’ve conceded very few goals has really boosted our confidence. We have 25 points and we’re still unbeaten, and that’s great to have that heading into the international break.”

“But when we come back we’re playing City at their place, United at their place, then we’ve got Chelsea at home; after that we’ll really know how good we are.”