Newcastle United lose ground in Aly Cissokho chase

Newcastle United have fallen behind Inter Milan and Napoli in the race to sign Lyon defender Aly Cissokho.

The 24-year-old Frenchman is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer with two years left on his contract.

However, Cissokho's agent has now revealed that Italy, and not Tyneside, is the player's preferred destination.

"Lyon are still awaiting a suitable offer, but we are confident that the boy can get to Italy, but currently there is no relevant news," Fabrizio Ferrari told Calciomercatonews.com.

Cissokho joined Lyon in 2009 after a lengthy transfer saga involving Porto.